Journalism at University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
57
Optimistic
55
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,893/yr (36% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 178 Journalism programs Top 1%

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 $643K $622K $549K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.0x 13.5x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 3.9x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 55 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,020
Out-of-state: $161,224 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,360
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,492
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of University of Maryland-College Park's Journalism program earn $46,893/yr in their first year — 36% above the $34,417 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 13.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,500 in median debt against $46,893 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Among 178 Journalism programs nationally, University of Maryland-College Park ranks #2 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The $46,893-to-$70,492 earnings arc over five years reflects a 50% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Maryland-College Park

With a 45% acceptance rate, University of Maryland-College Park is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 30,246 students in College Park, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maryland-College Park →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at University of Maryland-College Park?
At 55/100, University of Maryland-College Park's Journalism program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Journalism at University of Maryland-College Park?
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 Maryland-College Park one of the best schools for Journalism?
Among 178 Journalism programs, University of Maryland-College Park's #2 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 →