Journalism at California Baptist University

Riverside, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
18
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,026/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #177 of 178 Journalism programs

Program Analysis

While the career paths listed are valid, this program's outcomes reflect the challenging realities of both the modern media industry and the local job market. Riverside's Inland Empire is not a major media hub like Los Angeles, meaning fewer high-paying, entry-level opportunities at prominent newspapers, broadcast stations, or digital outlets right after graduation. Without the national brand recognition or powerful alumni network of a top-tier journalism school, you'll be competing for a smaller pool of local and regional jobs. The industry itself is in constant flux, with freelance work and lower starting salaries becoming the norm, especially outside of major metropolitan centers. Your key to success here will be supplementing your degree with a highly specialized, in-demand skill—like data visualization, investigative data analysis, or technical video production—to stand out in a crowded and rapidly automating field.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $389K $404K $401K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.5x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 18 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$158,880
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$109,536
31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
12.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$30,239
16% growth from Year 1

About California Baptist University

With 74% of applicants admitted, California Baptist University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 7,914 in Riverside, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity. After financial aid, the average student pays $109,536 over four years — 31% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at California Baptist University →

Top Career Paths

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
Editors $75,260/yr
Writers and authors $72,270/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Journalism at Other Schools

Other Majors at California Baptist University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does California Baptist University's Journalism program score?
This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for Journalism. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Journalism to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Journalism careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 64% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Journalism earnings lower at California Baptist University?
Lower starting pay at California Baptist University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →