Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,603
77th percentile
60th percentile in Georgia
Median Debt
$25,000
3% above national median

Analysis

Georgia College's journalism program outpaces most competitors in a field not known for strong early earnings. At $38,603 one year out, graduates earn 22% more than the typical Georgia journalism grad and rank in the 77th percentile nationally—substantially beating even UGA's program. The $25,000 median debt sits slightly below national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 that suggests manageable repayment.

The earnings trajectory deserves attention: graduates see 30% growth by year four, reaching over $50,000. That's unusual momentum in journalism, where many programs see stagnant or declining pay as graduates cycle through entry-level media positions. This pattern suggests alumni are either moving into higher-paying communications roles or finding success in Georgia's growing corporate markets.

For an 88% admission rate school, these outcomes are impressive. You're looking at strong returns in a challenging major, with debt levels that won't trap your child. The numbers suggest this program either has solid industry connections or teaches skills that translate beyond traditional journalism—both valuable in a shifting media landscape. For Georgia families, this represents one of the state's better bets in communications fields.

Where Georgia College & State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all journalism bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Georgia College & State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Georgia College & State University$38,603$50,175+30%
University of Georgia$36,636$50,896+39%
Georgia Southern University$33,798$44,314+31%
Georgia State University$28,416$43,196+52%
University of West Georgia$27,268$40,309+48%

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

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

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville$8,998$38,603$50,175$25,0000.65
University of GeorgiaAthens$11,180$36,636$50,896$21,1200.58
Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro$5,905$33,798$44,314$27,0000.80
Mercer UniversityMacon$40,890$32,807—$26,0000.79
Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw$5,786$30,792—$24,7000.80
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta$8,478$28,416$43,196$27,0000.95
National Median—$34,515—$24,2500.70

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with journalism graduates

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Photographers

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

$42,520/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Proofreaders and Copy Markers

Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.

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 Georgia College & State University, approximately 16% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 132 graduates with reported earnings and 87 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.