Journalism at Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,183/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.3x earnings multiple (7.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #120 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 $446K $453K $435K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.1x 13.3x 12.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.7x 7.8x 7.5x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 30 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,032
Out-of-state: $58,008 (7.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,684
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,250
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,170
22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Arkansas Tech University's Journalism program produces graduates earning $32,183/yr — within striking distance of the $34,417 national average for this field.

The 13.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 64% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,250 debt-to-$32,183 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #120 out of 178 programs, Arkansas Tech University's financial outcomes for Journalism trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $32,183 to $39,170 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Arkansas Tech University

A 96% acceptance rate means Arkansas Tech University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 5,993 in Russellville, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at Arkansas Tech 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

Journalism at Other Schools

Other Majors at Arkansas Tech University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Arkansas Tech University's Journalism program score?
This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Journalism. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Journalism to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Journalism careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 64% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →