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Journalism at Rust College

Holly Springs, MS · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,977/yr (-27% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)

Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)

ROI 8.0x earnings multiple

Ranked #176 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	$433K	$442K	$427K
Earnings Multiple	7.8x	8.0x	7.7x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	46%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	19	19	17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$55,360

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$35,004

37% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,038

12.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$35,380

42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,977 place Rust College below the $34,417 national median for Journalism — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 8.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #176 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places Rust College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 42% earnings increase from $24,977 to $35,380 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Rust College

Rust College accepts 35% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a smaller student body of 428 in Holly Springs, MS. With 69% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $35,004 — 37% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Rust College →

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 Rust College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at Rust College?

At 19/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Journalism programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Journalism degree from Rust College?

At $25,038 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Journalism at Rust College?

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 Rust College a good choice for Journalism despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Rust College'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 →