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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,998 | $38,603 | $50,175 | $25,000 | 0.65 | |
| $11,180 | $36,636 | $50,896 | $21,120 | 0.58 | |
| $5,905 | $33,798 | $44,314 | $27,000 | 0.80 | |
| $40,890 | $32,807 | — | $26,000 | 0.79 | |
| $5,786 | $30,792 | — | $24,700 | 0.80 | |
| $8,478 | $28,416 | $43,196 | $27,000 | 0.95 | |
| National Median | — | $34,515 | — | $24,250 | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with journalism graduates
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Film and Video Editors
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Photographers
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
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.