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Journalism at University of Central Oklahoma

Edmond, OK · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,139/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)

Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)

ROI 13.8x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #151 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	$468K	$472K	$448K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.7x	13.8x	13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.0x	6.1x	5.8x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	46%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	27	25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$34,088

Out-of-state: $77,636 (6.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$75,960

-123% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,500

10.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$41,110

46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,139 per year, Journalism graduates from University of Central Oklahoma earn below the $34,417 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 13.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,500 against $28,139/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #151 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places University of Central Oklahoma in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 46% earnings increase from $28,139 to $41,110 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Central Oklahoma

With 82% of applicants admitted, University of Central Oklahoma prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 10,132 in Edmond, OK.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Central Oklahoma →

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 University of Central Oklahoma

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at University of Central Oklahoma?

At 27/100, 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 University of Central Oklahoma?

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 University of Central Oklahoma a good choice for Journalism despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Central Oklahoma'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 →