Journalism at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,255/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #141 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 $453K $458K $438K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.9x 10.0x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.9x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,800
Out-of-state: $92,840 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,752
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,869
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,380
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,255/yr, Journalism graduates from Texas State University land near the $34,417 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 10.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 3% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $16,869 represents roughly 6 months of the $33,255 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #141 of 178 Journalism programs, Texas State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $33,255 to $40,380 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Texas State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Texas State University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 34,547 students in San Marcos, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas 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 Texas State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Journalism at Texas State University?
A score of 28/100 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 $438,397 in decade earnings vs $452,733 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →