Journalism at Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,302/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #146 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 $550K $542K $495K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$206,864
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$140,784
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,125
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,384
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,302 at Loyola University Chicago come in 11% above the national median of $34,417 for Journalism programs.

An earnings multiple of 2.6x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 64% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,125 debt-to-$38,302 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #146 out of 178 programs, Loyola University Chicago's financial outcomes for Journalism trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $38,302 to $55,384 shows 45% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 11,576 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $140,784 over four years represents a 32% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Loyola University Chicago →

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 Loyola University Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Loyola University Chicago's Journalism program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Journalism. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Journalism to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Journalism careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 64% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →