Journalism at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,091/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 8.2x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #56 of 178 Journalism programs Top 50%

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 $581K $569K $513K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.4x 8.2x 7.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$69,428
Out-of-state: $157,172 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,764
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,874
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,091 per year, Journalism graduates from University of Massachusetts-Amherst earn slightly above the $34,417 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 8.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 12% 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 against $37,091/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #56 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places University of Massachusetts-Amherst in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $37,091-to-$58,874 earnings arc over five years reflects a 59% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Massachusetts-Amherst accepts 58% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 23,694 in Amherst, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Amherst →

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 Massachusetts-Amherst

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
At 38/100, 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 Massachusetts-Amherst?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →