Journalism at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,710/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #100 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 $509K $507K $471K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.1x 10.0x 9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,608
Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,688
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,062
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,399
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,710/yr, Journalism graduates from Northern Arizona University land near the $34,417 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 10.0x 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 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $18,062 debt-to-$33,710 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #100 out of 178 programs, Northern Arizona University's financial outcomes for Journalism trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $33,710 to $48,399 shows 44% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Northern Arizona University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Northern Arizona University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 23,041 students in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northern Arizona University's Journalism program score?
This program scores 32/100 — 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 →