Journalism at California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,844/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market
Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI
20.2x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)
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 | $577K | $565K | $511K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 20.6x | 20.2x | 18.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.6x | 7.5x | 6.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 53% | 46% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 39 | 38 | 36 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,032
Out-of-state: $75,552 (7.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,294
88% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Long Beach
With a 47% acceptance rate, California State University-Long Beach is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 34,131 students in Long Beach, CA. With 49% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Long Beach →Top Career Paths
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800/yr
Editors
$75,260/yr
Writers and authors
$72,270/yr
Compare & Explore
Journalism at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State University-Long Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at California State University-Long Beach?
At 38/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Journalism programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Journalism at California State University-Long Beach?
The 64% 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.
Is California State University-Long Beach a good choice for Journalism despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Long Beach's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →