Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (20 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Duquesne University$38,640
Lehigh University$45,256$19,5000.43
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus$37,263$43,058$26,0000.70
Point Park University$34,887$36,644$27,0000.77
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania$32,294$44,596$26,0000.81
Temple University$30,959$48,161$26,0000.84
National Median$34,515$24,2500.70

Other Journalism Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Lehigh University
Bethlehem
$62,180$45,256$19,500
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Indiana
$11,380$37,263$26,000
Point Park University
Pittsburgh
$38,160$34,887$27,000
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Shippensburg
$13,544$32,294$26,000
Temple University
Philadelphia
$22,082$30,959$26,000

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Duquesne University, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.