Journalism at University of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,268/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 22.1x earnings multiple (7.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #72 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 $533K $527K $485K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.3x 22.1x 20.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.8x 7.7x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 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)
$23,884
Out-of-state: $68,096 (7.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,800
-159% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,250
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,565
78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $27,268 per year, Journalism graduates from University of West Georgia earn below the $34,417 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 22.1x 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 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,250 represents roughly 11 months of the $27,268 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #72 of 178 Journalism programs, University of West Georgia scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $48,565 show a 78% jump from the $27,268 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of West Georgia

University of West Georgia accepts 49% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 7,485 in Carrollton, GA. 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of West Georgia →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Journalism at University of West Georgia?
A score of 35/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Journalism. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $485,194 in decade earnings vs $532,872 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Journalism from University of West Georgia?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →