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Communications · Communication & Journalism (Other) Rank #15 of 16

Communication & Journalism (Other)at Howard University

Graduates earn $25,878/yr in their first year — about 25.0% below the national Communication & Journalism (Other) average. Base-case 10-year earnings $417K; scenarios range from $409K to $403K depending on AI disruption.

Washington, DC Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
18 AT RISK
18
Optimistic
13
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,878
1-year post-graduation
ROI
0.9x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$417K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
64% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Howard University

While the financial outcomes may seem underwhelming, it's crucial to understand the context of this degree. Howard University's prestige and its powerful alumni network, especially in media and public service, offer value that doesn't always translate immediately to a high starting salary. The Washington, D.C. location puts you at the epicenter of political and non-profit communications, but these sectors often pay less than corporate roles, especially for entry-level positions. The program's focus may lean more toward traditional journalism and academia rather than the more lucrative fields of public relations or marketing.

Given the high risk of AI disruption in writing and content creation, your key to success will be internships. You must aggressively pursue opportunities at federal agencies, major news bureaus, and advocacy groups in D.C. to build a specialized skill set and a professional network that will set you apart.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$409K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score13/100
Earnings Multiple3.1x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$417K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score18/100
Earnings Multiple3.1x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$403K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score18/100
Earnings Multiple3.0x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Howard University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Communication & Journalism (Other) graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Communications teachers, postsecondary
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 2,700 openings/yr
$77,800/yr
Moderate
2
Editors
+0.6% 10-yr growth · 9,800 openings/yr
$75,260/yr
High
3
Writers and authors
+3.6% 10-yr growth · 13,400 openings/yr
$72,270/yr
Very High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Communication & Journalism (Other)

How Howard University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Wisconsin Lutheran College
WI · Private nonprofit
33
DW Score
$45K
1-yr earn
2.2x
ROI
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
MN · Public
37
DW Score
$44K
1-yr earn
5.7x
ROI
Ohio State University-Main Campus
OH · Public
41
DW Score
$41K
1-yr earn
9.6x
ROI
Grand Valley State University
MI · Public
38
DW Score
$40K
1-yr earn
7.9x
ROI
University of Nebraska at Omaha
NE · Public
38
DW Score
$39K
1-yr earn
10.8x
ROI
Also at Howard University

Other top programs at Howard University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Howard University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Communication & Journalism (Other) offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Communication & Journalism (Other) trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Communication & Journalism (Other) at Howard University

What does a 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication & Journalism (Other) at Howard University?

At 18/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication & Journalism (Other) programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Communication & Journalism (Other) 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 (Other) 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 (Other) 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.