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Journalism at University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,591/yr (-14% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)

Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)

ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (11.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #105 of 178 Journalism programs

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	$522K	$518K	$479K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.6x	13.5x	12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	11.2x	11.1x	10.3x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	46%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	32	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,472

Out-of-state: $46,472 (11.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,896

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,125

10.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$48,425

64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,591/yr, Journalism graduates from University of Southern Mississippi land near the $34,417 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

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 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,125 against $29,591/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #105 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places University of Southern Mississippi in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $29,591-to-$48,425 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Southern Mississippi

With 99% of applicants admitted, University of Southern Mississippi prioritizes broad access, serving 9,899 students in Hattiesburg, MS. With 47% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern Mississippi →

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 Southern Mississippi

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at University of Southern Mississippi?

At 32/100, 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 Southern Mississippi?

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 →