Journalism at Utah State University

Logan, UT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,431/yr (20% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 14.5x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #15 of 178 Journalism programs Top 10%

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 $541K $535K $490K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.7x 14.5x 13.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.4x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,912
Out-of-state: $99,208 (5.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,476
-39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,932
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,166
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,431/yr, edging above the $34,417 national average for Journalism — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 14.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,932 in median debt against $41,431 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #15 of 178 programs, this Journalism program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 33% earnings increase from $41,431 to $55,166 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Utah State University

Utah State University has a 94% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 20,342 students enrolled in Logan, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at Utah State University →

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 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at Utah State University?
At 48/100, 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 Utah State University?
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 →