Journalism at University at Albany

Albany, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,553/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 14.1x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #74 of 178 Journalism programs Top 50%

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 $601K $585K $525K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.4x 14.1x 12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.0x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,632
Out-of-state: $115,992 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,944
-78% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,467
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,664
98% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,553/yr fall 17% below the $34,417 national median for Journalism. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 14.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,467 against $28,553/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #74 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places University at Albany in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $28,553-to-$56,664 earnings arc over five years reflects a 98% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University at Albany

With a 70% acceptance rate, University at Albany is moderately selective, serving 12,100 students in Albany, NY. With 42% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Albany →

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 University at Albany

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at University at Albany?
At 35/100, 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 University at Albany?
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 University at Albany a good choice for Journalism despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University at Albany'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 →