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Communication & Journalism at Howard University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
18
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,878/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #15 of 16 Communication & Journalism programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $403K $417K $409K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.1x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 39% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 18 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$133,376
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$191,676
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
12.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $25,878 per year, Communication & Journalism graduates from Howard University earn below the $34,532 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The -2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication & Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #15 ranking among 16 Communication & Journalism programs places Howard University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Howard University

A 35% acceptance rate puts Howard University in competitive admissions territory, serving 9,604 students in Washington, DC. Pell Grant recipients make up 41% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Howard University →

Top Career Paths

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
Editors $75,260/yr
Writers and authors $72,270/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 16 schools offering Communication & Journalism →

Communication & Journalism at Other Schools

Wisconsin Lutheran College ($44,511) University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ($43,969) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($41,040) Grand Valley State University ($40,415) University of Nebraska at Omaha ($39,400) West Virginia University ($38,660) Berry College ($36,931) California Lutheran University ($34,432)

Other Majors at Howard University

Computer Systems Analysis ($92,324) Finance and Financial Management Services ($81,074) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($79,646) Management Information Systems and Services ($78,544) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($64,231) International Business ($61,040) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($39,120) Political Science and Government ($31,897)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication & Journalism trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication & Journalism at Howard University?
At 18/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication & Journalism programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Communication & Journalism degree from Howard University?
At $26,000 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication & Journalism at Howard University?
The 65% 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 Howard University a good choice for Communication & Journalism despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Howard University'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 →