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Journalism at The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,336/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 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 $592K $578K $519K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.7x 12.4x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.4x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,712
Out-of-state: $171,112 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,712
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,250
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,070
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

The University of Texas at Austin's Journalism graduates start at $39,336/yr — above the $34,417 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 12.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,250 in median debt clears quickly against $39,336 in annual earnings.

The University of Texas at Austin ranks #19 among 178 Journalism programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $39,336-to-$61,070 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of Texas at Austin

Admission to The University of Texas at Austin is competitive, with 29% of applicants accepted, with 42,100 students enrolled in Austin, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Austin →

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

Compare this program → View all 178 schools offering Journalism →

Journalism at Other Schools

George Washington University ($52,015) Northeastern University ($51,855) Northwestern University ($50,426) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($48,637) University of Maryland-College Park ($46,893) Brigham Young University ($46,652) Lehigh University ($45,256) University of Southern California ($44,651)

Compare Journalism

The University of Texas at Austin vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo → The University of Texas at Austin vs University of Maryland-College Park → The University of Texas at Austin vs Brigham Young University →

Other Majors at The University of Texas at Austin

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($111,587) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($96,997) Business/Commerce, General ($94,041) Chemical Engineering ($87,365) Petroleum Engineering ($86,761) Management Information Systems and Services ($86,622) Mechanical Engineering ($82,227) Finance and Financial Management Services ($81,844)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at The University of Texas at Austin?
At 46/100, 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 Texas at Austin?
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 Texas at Austin one of the best schools for Journalism?
Among 178 Journalism programs, The University of Texas at Austin's #19 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 →