Journalism at Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,757/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #82 of 178 Journalism programs Top 50%

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 $684K $657K $573K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,244
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,104
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,696
78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,757/yr, edging above the $34,417 national average for Journalism — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The financial case is thin at 2.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Journalism's typical career paths, with 64% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $40,757 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #82 of 178 Journalism programs, Syracuse University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $72,696 show a 78% jump from the $40,757 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Syracuse University

With a 42% acceptance rate, Syracuse University is moderately selective, enrolling 15,245 students in Syracuse, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $164,104 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Syracuse 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Journalism at Syracuse University?
A score of 34/100 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 $573,275 in decade earnings vs $683,703 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →