Journalism at Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,033/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 8.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #175 of 178 Journalism programs

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 $458K $463K $442K
Earnings Multiple 8.1x 8.2x 7.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$56,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,164
-13% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
12.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,638
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $25,033 per year, Journalism graduates from Central Michigan University earn below the $34,417 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.2x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Journalism's typical career paths, with 64% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 against $25,033/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.1 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.

Ranked #175 of 178 Journalism programs, Central Michigan University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $38,638 show a 54% jump from the $25,033 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Central Michigan University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Central Michigan University prioritizes broad access, serving 9,916 students in Mount Pleasant, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Michigan 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Journalism at Central Michigan University?
A score of 19/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Journalism. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Journalism at Central Michigan University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $27,000 against $25,033/yr starting salary means roughly 1.1 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Will AI replace Journalism careers?
With 64% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $441,595 in decade earnings vs $458,212 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Journalism from Central Michigan University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →