Journalism at Rust College
Holly Springs, MS · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings
$24,977/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market
Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI
8.0x 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 | $433K | $442K | $427K |
| Earnings Multiple | 7.8x | 8.0x | 7.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 53% | 46% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 19 | 19 | 17 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$55,360
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,038
12.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,380
42% growth from Year 1
About Rust College
Rust College accepts 35% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a smaller student body of 428 in Holly Springs, MS. With 69% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $35,004 — 37% less than the list price.
See all programs and financial aid at Rust College →Top Career Paths
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800/yr
Editors
$75,260/yr
Writers and authors
$72,270/yr
Compare & Explore
Journalism at Other Schools
Other Majors at Rust College
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at Rust College?
At 19/100, 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 Rust College?
At $25,038 in median debt, graduates carry 12 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 Rust College?
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 Rust College a good choice for Journalism despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Rust College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →