Journalism at University of Nebraska at Kearney

Kearney, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,703/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.8x earnings multiple (8.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #64 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 $454K $460K $439K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.7x 13.8x 13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.0x 8.1x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,208
Out-of-state: $57,040 (8.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,952
-99% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,602
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,276
12% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Nebraska at Kearney's Journalism graduates start at $36,703/yr — above the $34,417 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 13.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,602 against $36,703/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #64 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places University of Nebraska at Kearney in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $36,703 to $41,276 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of Nebraska at Kearney

A 86% acceptance rate means University of Nebraska at Kearney is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 4,130 students in Kearney, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska at Kearney →

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 Nebraska at Kearney

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at University of Nebraska at Kearney?
At 36/100, 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 Nebraska at Kearney?
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 →