Home › Louisiana Tech University › Journalism

Journalism at Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $21,087/yr (-39% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)

Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)

ROI 9.3x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #171 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	$359K	$378K	$384K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.9x	9.3x	9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.3x	5.6x	5.7x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	46%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	22	21	19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,500

Out-of-state: $67,464 (5.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,836

-21% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,500

12.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,087 place Louisiana Tech University below the $34,417 national median for Journalism — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 9.3x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 64% task exposure — and the -7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,500 debt load exceeds a year of the $21,087 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #171 out of 178 programs, Louisiana Tech University's financial outcomes for Journalism trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University accepts 73% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 7,819 students in Ruston, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at Louisiana Tech 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

Other Majors at Louisiana Tech University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Louisiana Tech University's Journalism program score?

This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Journalism. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do Louisiana Tech University Journalism graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

How vulnerable is Journalism to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Journalism careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 64% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Journalism earnings lower at Louisiana Tech University?

Lower starting pay at Louisiana Tech University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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