Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $23,169/yr fall 33% below the $34,417 national median for Journalism. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
With a 15.0x 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 a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.
A #142 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places Marshall University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $23,169-to-$47,330 earnings arc over five years reflects a 104% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.