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Journalism at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,303/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 8.8x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #58 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 $571K $560K $508K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.9x 8.8x 7.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,331
58% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $36,303 per year, Journalism graduates from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign earn slightly above the $34,417 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 8.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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 $21,000 against $36,303/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #58 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $36,303-to-$57,331 earnings arc over five years reflects a 58% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts 44% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 34,623 students enrolled in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

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)

Other Majors at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Computer Science ($124,530) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,503) Mathematics and Computer Science ($109,843) Computer Engineering ($103,123) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($86,483) Systems Engineering ($81,785) Nuclear Engineering ($81,134) Mechanical Engineering ($80,187)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
At 37/100, 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →