Journalism at Columbia College Chicago

Columbia College Chicago's journalism program starts rough but tells an interesting story of growth. First-year graduates earn just $31,369—well below both the state median ($37,016) and the national average ($34,515). Among Illinois journalism programs, this ranks in the 25th percentile, trailing not just Northwestern but also public universities like Southern Illinois and Illinois State. That's a concerning position for a program with a 91% admission rate serving many Pell grant recipients who need earnings to justify their debt.

The trajectory, however, stands out. By year four, median earnings jump to $43,458—a 39% increase that outpaces typical journalism career arcs. That growth rate suggests graduates may be breaking into better media markets or pivoting to higher-paying communications roles. Still, the slow start matters: spending those first years earning $31,000 in Chicago, where rent isn't cheap, while carrying $26,000 in debt creates real financial strain.

For families considering this program, understand you're betting on career momentum rather than immediate payoff. If your child is prepared for a lean first few years and has the flexibility to chase opportunities as they develop, the growth trajectory offers hope. But if they need stable earnings right out of college, the bottom-quartile starting salary in Illinois makes this a riskier choice than journalism programs at state universities that cost less and start higher.