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 Georgia

Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (11 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fort Valley State University$29,600
Georgia College & State University$38,603$50,175$25,0000.65
University of Georgia$36,636$50,896$21,1200.58
Georgia Southern University$33,798$44,314$27,0000.80
Mercer University$32,807$26,0000.79
Kennesaw State University$30,792$24,7000.80
National Median$34,515$24,2500.70

Other Journalism Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville
$8,998$38,603$25,000
University of Georgia
Athens
$11,180$36,636$21,120
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro
$5,905$33,798$27,000
Mercer University
Macon
$40,890$32,807$26,000
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw
$5,786$30,792$24,700

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 Fort Valley State University, approximately 72% 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.