Journalism at University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,820/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (8.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #85 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 $509K $506K $471K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.3x 12.2x 11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.6x 8.6x 8.0x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,376
Out-of-state: $59,136 (8.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,012
-28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,019
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Memphis's Journalism program produces graduates earning $32,820/yr — within striking distance of the $34,417 national average for this field.

With a 12.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $32,820/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #85 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places University of Memphis in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 46% earnings increase from $32,820 to $48,019 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Memphis

A 93% acceptance rate means University of Memphis is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 13,645 in Memphis, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Memphis →

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 Memphis

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at University of Memphis?
At 34/100, 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 Memphis?
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 →