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Journalism at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,857/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #63 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 $681K $654K $572K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.5x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$260,672
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,984
59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,406
71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,857 at Boston University come in 25% above the national median of $34,417 for Journalism programs.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,500 against $42,857/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #63 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places Boston University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $42,857-to-$73,406 earnings arc over five years reflects a 71% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Boston University

Boston University's 11% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 17,850 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,984 — 59% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston 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 Boston University

Computer Engineering ($93,995) Computer Science ($90,050) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,528) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($77,660) Mechanical Engineering ($76,337) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($71,545) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($69,209) Mathematics ($64,604)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at Boston University?
At 36/100, 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 Boston 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.
What do students actually pay for Journalism at Boston University?
The 59% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $260,672. At a net cost of $107,984, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →