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Communication & Journalism at Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,104/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,900 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #13 of 16 Communication & Journalism programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication & Journalism graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $425K $436K $422K
Earnings Multiple 2.1x 2.2x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 39% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 21 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,336
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,748
75% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $30,104/yr, Communication & Journalism graduates from Augustana College land near the $34,532 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 2.2x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication & Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $30,104/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #13 ranking among 16 Communication & Journalism programs places Augustana College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Augustana College

Augustana College accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 2,418 students in Rock Island, IL. The average net cost of $49,748 over four years represents a 75% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Augustana College →

Top Career Paths

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
Editors $75,260/yr
Writers and authors $72,270/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 16 schools offering Communication & Journalism →

Communication & Journalism at Other Schools

Wisconsin Lutheran College ($44,511) University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ($43,969) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($41,040) Grand Valley State University ($40,415) University of Nebraska at Omaha ($39,400) West Virginia University ($38,660) Berry College ($36,931) California Lutheran University ($34,432)

Other Majors at Augustana College

Computer Science ($74,745) Accounting and Related Services ($62,149) Engineering Physics ($54,165) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($50,210) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,517) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($45,145) Communication and Media Studies ($40,806) Geography and Cartography ($40,683)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication & Journalism trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 21/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication & Journalism at Augustana College?
At 21/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication & Journalism programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication & Journalism at Augustana College?
The 65% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What do students actually pay for Communication & Journalism at Augustana College?
The 75% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $199,336. At a net cost of $49,748, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →