Home › Illinois State University › Journalism

Journalism at Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,643/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 7.8x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #90 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 $503K $502K $468K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.9x 7.8x 7.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.5x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,084
Out-of-state: $112,344 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,984
-19% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,750
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,505
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Illinois State University's Journalism graduates start at $36,643/yr — above the $34,417 national average, though not by a wide margin.

A 7.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,750 against $36,643/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #90 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places Illinois State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 32% earnings increase from $36,643 to $48,505 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Illinois State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Illinois State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 18,414 students in Normal, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Illinois 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

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 Illinois State University

Computer Science ($81,363) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($72,709) Construction Management ($70,672) Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications ($66,801) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($65,629) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($65,127) Accounting and Related Services ($62,940) Public Health ($59,207)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at Illinois State University?
At 33/100, 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 Illinois State 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →