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Journalism at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,352/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #46 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 $556K $547K $498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.8x 10.6x 9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,584
Out-of-state: $135,004 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,328
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,367
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Colorado State University-Fort Collins's Journalism graduates start at $36,352/yr — above the $34,417 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 10.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,000 against $36,352/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #46 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places Colorado State University-Fort Collins in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $36,352-to-$55,367 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Colorado State University-Fort Collins

A 90% acceptance rate means Colorado State University-Fort Collins is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 25,148 in Fort Collins, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University-Fort Collins →

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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($78,856) Construction Engineering Technologies ($78,423) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,038) Civil Engineering ($73,326) Information Science/Studies ($67,827) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($66,109) Chemical Engineering ($62,468) Mechanical Engineering ($60,720)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
At 39/100, 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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →