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Journalism at Drake University

Des Moines, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,913/yr (22% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #113 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 $557K $548K $499K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,776
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$120,168
40% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,439
37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Drake University's Journalism graduates start at $41,913/yr — above the $34,417 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 2.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #113 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places Drake University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 37% earnings increase from $41,913 to $57,439 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Drake University

Drake University's 64% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 2,669 students in Des Moines, IA. The average net cost of $120,168 over four years represents a 40% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Drake 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

Compare this program → View all 178 schools offering Journalism →

Journalism at Other Schools

George Washington University ($52,015) Northeastern University ($51,855) Northwestern University ($50,426) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($48,637) University of Maryland-College Park ($46,893) Brigham Young University ($46,652) Lehigh University ($45,256) University of Southern California ($44,651)

Other Majors at Drake University

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($80,044) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($69,835) Accounting and Related Services ($65,922) Finance and Financial Management Services ($62,049) Marketing ($51,968) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($47,806) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($44,492) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($41,630)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at Drake University?
At 31/100, 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 Drake University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →