Program Analysis
Graduates earn $35,050/yr, roughly in line with the $34,417 national median for Journalism. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Journalism programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Journalism's typical career paths, with 64% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $23,250 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,050 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #103 of 178 Journalism programs, Western Kentucky University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $35,050 to $43,572 over five years — a 24% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.