Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $32,459 track close to the $34,417 national median for Journalism programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
At 9.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 64% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $36,807 debt load exceeds a year of the $32,459 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #147 out of 178 programs, Ashford University's financial outcomes for Journalism trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $32,459 to $43,094 shows 33% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.