Journalism at Ashford University

Ashford's journalism program puts graduates in a precarious position: they're taking on nearly $43,250 in debt—more than double California's median for journalism programs—to earn $32,459 in their first year. That debt burden places this program in the bottom 5% nationally, while earnings sit slightly above California's state median but well below the national average.

The numbers tell a concerning story about return on investment. While graduates do see modest 6% earnings growth by year four, they're still earning just $34,239—barely enough to manage debt payments that will consume a significant portion of their income. Compare this to Cal Poly's journalism graduates earning $48,637, or even knowing that California's typical journalism program saddles students with just $19,042 in debt, and the gap becomes stark. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.33 means graduates owe more than a full year's salary, creating financial strain that could persist for years.

For an anxious parent, the math here is straightforward: your child would be better served at nearly any California State University or community college transfer path into a UC program. The combination of above-average debt and below-average earnings creates a financial burden that undermines the degree's value, even if journalism is their passion. Unless significant scholarships reduce that debt load, this program doesn't justify its cost.