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Journalism at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,743/yr (1% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)

Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)

ROI 12.8x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #38 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	$575K	$564K	$510K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.1x	12.8x	11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.4x	4.3x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	46%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	41	36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,856

Out-of-state: $131,708 (4.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$85,592

-95% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,957

8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,097

64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,743/yr, Journalism graduates from University of Iowa land near the $34,417 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 12.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,957 against $34,743/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Iowa ranks #38 among 178 Journalism programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $34,743-to-$57,097 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Iowa

With 85% of applicants admitted, University of Iowa prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 21,691 students in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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 Iowa

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at University of Iowa?

At 41/100, 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 of Iowa?

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 of Iowa one of the best schools for Journalism?

Among 178 Journalism programs, University of Iowa's #38 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →