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.