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Journalism at California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,844/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)

Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)

ROI 20.2x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #54 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	$577K	$565K	$511K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	20.6x	20.2x	18.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.6x	7.5x	6.8x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	46%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	39	38	36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$28,032

Out-of-state: $75,552 (7.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$35,724

-27% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,000

6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$54,294

88% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,844/yr fall 16% below the $34,417 national median for Journalism. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 20.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,000 against $28,844/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #54 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places California State University-Long Beach in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $28,844-to-$54,294 earnings arc over five years reflects a 88% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Long Beach

With a 47% acceptance rate, California State University-Long Beach is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 34,131 students in Long Beach, CA. With 49% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Long Beach →

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 California State University-Long Beach

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at California State University-Long Beach?

At 38/100, 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 California State University-Long Beach?

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 California State University-Long Beach a good choice for Journalism despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Long Beach'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 →