Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $40,575 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale come in 18% above the national median of $34,417 for Journalism programs.
At 9.2x 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 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $21,269 debt-to-$40,575 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #59 out of 178 programs, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Journalism offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $40,575 to $46,940 over five years (16% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.