Journalism at Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,484/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #33 of 178 Journalism programs Top 25%

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 $547K $539K $493K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.5x 12.3x 11.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.8x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 42 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,768
Out-of-state: $111,264 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,532
-63% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,635
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,484/yr, edging above the $34,417 national average for Journalism — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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

At $21,000 against $37,484/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Kansas State University ranks #33 among 178 Journalism programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 46% earnings increase from $37,484 to $54,635 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Kansas State University

Kansas State University has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 14,835 in Manhattan, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Kansas State 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

Journalism at Other Schools

Other Majors at Kansas State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at Kansas State University?
At 42/100, 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 Kansas State 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.
Is Kansas State University one of the best schools for Journalism?
Among 178 Journalism programs, Kansas State University's #33 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →