Journalism at Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,575/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 6.8x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #172 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 $386K $401K $400K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.5x 6.8x 6.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.2x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 21 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,064
Out-of-state: $96,504 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,636
4% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $25,575/yr fall 26% below the $34,417 national median for Journalism. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 6.8x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 64% task exposure — and the -3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #172 out of 178 programs, Montclair State University's financial outcomes for Journalism trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Montclair State University

Montclair State University has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 17,677 in Montclair, NJ. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Montclair 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 Montclair State University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Montclair State University's Journalism program score?
This program scores 21/100 — 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.
Why are Journalism earnings lower at Montclair State University?
Lower starting pay at Montclair State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →