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Journalism at Emerson College

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,703/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #124 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 $594K $580K $521K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 30 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$221,568
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$187,064
16% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,610
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,538
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $39,703/yr, edging above the $34,417 national average for Journalism — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,610 against $39,703/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #124 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places Emerson College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $39,703-to-$61,538 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Emerson College

With a 47% acceptance rate, Emerson College is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 4,145 in Boston, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Emerson College →

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 Emerson College

Communication and Media Studies ($44,108) Marketing ($41,651) Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies ($33,441) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($28,606) Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($27,032) Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($19,560)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at Emerson College?
At 30/100, 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 Emerson College?
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 →