Journalism at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,022/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 of 178 Journalism programs Top 25%

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 $753K $717K $614K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.5x 10.9x 9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.3x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,920
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,250
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,662
122% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,022/yr, roughly in line with the $34,417 national median for Journalism. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.9x 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 18% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $34,022 far exceeding the $15,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #28 of 178 nationally, this is a top-5% Journalism program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $75,662 show a 122% jump from the $34,022 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 31,578 students in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

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 of Colorado Boulder

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Journalism at University of Colorado Boulder?
A score of 43/100 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 $613,773 in decade earnings vs $753,052 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Colorado Boulder's Journalism program stand out?
Ranked #28 of 178 programs nationally, University of Colorado Boulder lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →