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Journalism at The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,509/yr (3% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)

Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)

ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #41 of 178 Journalism programs Top 25%

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	$568K	$557K	$506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.9x	11.7x	10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.3x	4.2x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	46%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	40	40	35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$47,600

Out-of-state: $132,800 (4.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$88,600

-86% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,375

7.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,575

59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,509/yr, roughly in line with the $34,417 national median for Journalism. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,375 against $35,509/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

The University of Alabama ranks #41 among 178 Journalism programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $35,509-to-$56,575 earnings arc over five years reflects a 59% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 32,323 in Tuscaloosa, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Alabama →

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 The University of Alabama

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at The University of Alabama?

At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Journalism programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Journalism at The University of Alabama?

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 The University of Alabama one of the best schools for Journalism?

Among 178 Journalism programs, The University of Alabama's #41 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →