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Journalism at The University of Montana

Missoula, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,924/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 14.0x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #106 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 $450K $456K $437K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.8x 14.0x 13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 27
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,608
Out-of-state: $126,488 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,472
-110% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,260
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,865
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

The University of Montana's Journalism program produces graduates earning $35,924/yr — within striking distance of the $34,417 national average for this field.

With a 14.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,260 against $35,924/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #106 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places The University of Montana in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About The University of Montana

A 96% acceptance rate means The University of Montana is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 7,079 students in Missoula, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Montana →

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 The University of Montana

Management Information Systems and Services ($54,816) Accounting and Related Services ($47,164) Biology, General ($43,914) Sociology ($39,160) Political Science and Government ($38,094) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($37,784) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($36,142) Communication and Media Studies ($34,377)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at The University of Montana?
At 32/100, 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 The University of Montana?
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 →