Journalism at University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,191/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 178 Journalism programs Top 5%

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 $589K $576K $518K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.6x 12.3x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.9x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,800
Out-of-state: $117,648 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,460
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,205
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Kansas Journalism graduates command $43,191/yr out of the gate, well above the $34,417 national median. That 25% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Journalism programs nationally.

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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,000 represents roughly 6 months of the $43,191 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #6 of 178 nationally, this is a top-5% Journalism program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $43,191 to $62,205 over five years — a 44% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Kansas

A 88% acceptance rate means University of Kansas is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 19,857 students in Lawrence, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kansas →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Journalism at University of Kansas?
A score of 50/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Journalism field.
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 $518,114 in decade earnings vs $589,244 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Kansas's Journalism program stand out?
Ranked #6 of 178 programs nationally, University of Kansas lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →