Journalismat Marshall University
Graduates earn $23,169/yr in their first year — about 33.0% below the national Journalism average. Base-case 10-year earnings $537K; scenarios range from $492K to $544K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Marshall University
While the raw earnings data may seem concerning, it reflects the realities of the regional job market you'll likely enter. A Marshall journalism degree is a practical credential for careers within West Virginia and the surrounding Appalachian states. Graduates often find roles in local television news, community newspapers, or as communications staff for regional non-profits and government agencies. These are vital community roles, but they exist in a lower cost-of-living area and don't command the salaries found in major media hubs like New York or D.C. The program provides a strong, hands-on foundation, but lacks the national recruiting pipelines of more prominent schools. To maximize your investment, you must aggressively pursue internships outside the immediate area during your summers, building a portfolio and professional network that can help you land a first job in a more competitive, higher-paying market.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Marshall University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Journalism
How Marshall University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Marshall University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Marshall University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Journalism at Marshall University
What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at Marshall University?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Journalism programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Journalism degree from Marshall University?
At $25,136 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Journalism at Marshall 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 Marshall University a good choice for Journalism despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Marshall University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.