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Journalism at Central State University

Wilberforce, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,306/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)

Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)

ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (11.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #153 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	$436K	$444K	$429K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.9x	14.2x	13.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	11.1x	11.3x	10.9x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	46%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$31,296

Out-of-state: $39,296 (11.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$66,176

-111% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$31,000

13.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$36,745

30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,306/yr fall 18% below the $34,417 national median for Journalism. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Journalism programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Journalism's typical career paths, with 64% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 2% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $31,000 against $28,306/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.1 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.

Ranked #153 of 178 Journalism programs, Central State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $28,306 to $36,745 over five years — a 30% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Central State University

With a 46% acceptance rate, Central State University is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 3,412 in Wilberforce, OH. 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Central State 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Journalism at Central State University?

A score of 26/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Journalism. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Is Journalism at Central State University worth the student debt?

Median debt of $31,000 against $28,306/yr starting salary means roughly 1.1 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.

Will AI replace Journalism careers?

With 64% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $428,606 in decade earnings vs $435,971 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Journalism from Central State University?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →