Journalism at Georgia College & State University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Georgia College & State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Georgia College & State University graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 77th percentile of all journalism bachelors programs nationally.
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia College & State University | $38,603 | $50,175 | $25,000 | 0.65 |
| University of Georgia | $36,636 | $50,896 | $21,120 | 0.58 |
| Georgia Southern University | $33,798 | $44,314 | $27,000 | 0.80 |
| Mercer University | $32,807 | — | $26,000 | 0.79 |
| Kennesaw State University | $30,792 | — | $24,700 | 0.80 |
| Georgia State University | $28,416 | $43,196 | $27,000 | 0.95 |
| National Median | $34,515 | — | $24,250 | 0.70 |
Other Journalism Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Georgia State University Atlanta | $8,478 | $28,416 | $27,000 |
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 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.