Journalism at Mercer University
Macon, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings
$32,807/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market
Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI
2.7x earnings multiple
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 | $431K | $439K | $425K |
| Earnings Multiple | 2.6x | 2.7x | 2.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 53% | 46% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 24 | 24 | 20 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$163,560
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings
About Mercer University
With a 66% acceptance rate, Mercer University is moderately selective, a smaller institution with 4,620 students in Macon, GA. The average net cost of $89,400 over four years represents a 45% discount from published tuition.
See all programs and financial aid at Mercer University →Top Career Paths
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800/yr
Editors
$75,260/yr
Writers and authors
$72,270/yr
Compare & Explore
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Journalism at Mercer University?
A score of 24/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Journalism. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Journalism careers?
With 64% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $425,418 in decade earnings vs $430,510 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →