Journalism at University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,911/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #121 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 $483K $485K $456K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.9x 12.0x 11.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 7.0x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,472
Out-of-state: $69,032 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,100
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,562
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,341
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,911/yr, Journalism graduates from University of Central Arkansas land near the $34,417 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Journalism programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Journalism's typical career paths, with 64% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,562 represents roughly 8 months of the $31,911 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #121 of 178 Journalism programs, University of Central Arkansas falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $31,911 to $44,341 over five years — a 39% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Central Arkansas

With 90% of applicants admitted, University of Central Arkansas prioritizes broad access, enrolling 7,426 students in Conway, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Central Arkansas →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Journalism at University of Central Arkansas?
A score of 30/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Journalism. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Journalism careers?
With 64% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $456,237 in decade earnings vs $483,285 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →