Journalism at Gonzaga University

Gonzaga's journalism program outpaces both state and national earnings benchmarks, but the small sample size means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Graduates earn about $37,000 initially—ahead of the Washington median by roughly $1,500 and placing them in the 60th percentile statewide. That's competitive with Washington State University, though all journalism programs in the state cluster within a fairly narrow earnings band.

The debt picture looks manageable at $27,000, translating to a 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio that's well below the typical threshold for concern. Earnings do grow modestly to $41,000 by year four, which is positive trajectory for a field known for stagnant early-career pay. However, these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, making them less reliable than data from larger programs—one exceptional cohort or a few outliers can dramatically skew results.

For an anxious parent, the key question is whether your student is genuinely committed to journalism despite its known economic challenges. If they're serious about the field, Gonzaga provides solid preparation without burying them in debt. But don't treat these numbers as guarantees—the small sample means they're more directional than definitive.