Home › Widener University › Journalism

Journalism at Widener University

Chester, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
17
Optimistic
16
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,058/yr (-36% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #178 of 178 Journalism programs

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 $365K $383K $387K
Earnings Multiple 1.7x 1.8x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 17 16 14

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,552
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$121,880
43% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $22,058/yr fall 36% below the $34,417 national median for Journalism. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 1.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The -6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #178 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places Widener University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Widener University

Widener University has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 2,765 students in Chester, PA. The average net cost of $121,880 over four years represents a 43% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Widener 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

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 Widener University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($83,528) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,611) Chemical Engineering ($71,160) Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services ($70,817) Civil Engineering ($69,289) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($68,762) Mechanical Engineering ($65,515) Accounting and Related Services ($65,071)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 16/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at Widener University?
At 16/100, 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 Widener 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.
Is Widener University a good choice for Journalism despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Widener University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →