Journalism at University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
57
Optimistic
55
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,893/yr (36% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 178 Journalism programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

The strong outcomes for Maryland journalism graduates are a direct result of location and reputation. Being just outside Washington, D.C., puts you at the epicenter of national news, policy, and non-profit communications. The Philip Merrill College of Journalism is a powerhouse with deep connections, creating a direct hiring pipeline to major newsrooms like The Washington Post, NPR, and Politico, as well as government agencies and advocacy groups that need skilled storytellers. This isn't just about traditional reporting; it's about data journalism, video production, and strategic communications for a high-stakes audience. While AI poses a threat to basic content creation, the complex, investigative, and relationship-driven work prominent in the D.C. market is more resilient. Your key move here is to secure a D.C.-based internship as early as possible to start building your professional network.

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 $643K $622K $549K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.0x 13.5x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 3.9x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 55 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,020
Out-of-state: $161,224 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,360
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,492
50% growth from Year 1

About University of Maryland-College Park

With a 45% acceptance rate, University of Maryland-College Park is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 30,246 students in College Park, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maryland-College Park →

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 does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at University of Maryland-College Park?
At 55/100, University of Maryland-College Park's Journalism program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Journalism at University of Maryland-College Park?
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 Maryland-College Park one of the best schools for Journalism?
Among 178 Journalism programs, University of Maryland-College Park's #2 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 →