Journalism (Bachelor's Degree) at Grand View University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$39,347

Est. from IA median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,000

Est. from national median (41 programs)

Analysis

Based on similar journalism programs in Iowa, first-year earnings around $39,000 place this degree near the middle of the state's range—competitive with Iowa State's reported outcomes but trailing Drake's stronger showing. The estimated $25,000 in debt produces a manageable ratio of 0.64, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary.

What makes this calculation more uncertain than usual: both figures are estimates because Grand View's journalism cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. The earnings estimate comes from just three Iowa programs, and the debt figure draws from national patterns at similar private institutions. This limited peer data means the actual outcomes for Grand View graduates could differ meaningfully in either direction.

The fundamentals suggest reasonable affordability if the estimates hold—journalism programs nationally carry similar debt loads, and Iowa's media market appears to support better entry-level salaries than the national median of $34,515. However, with 38% of students receiving Pell grants and nearly open admission, you're making this investment decision with less certainty about what Grand View specifically delivers for journalism graduates. If possible, ask the school directly about graduate outcomes and employment patterns in Des Moines media markets before committing.

Where Grand View University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Grand View UniversityDes Moines	$33,450	$39,347*	—	$25,000*	—
Drake UniversityDes Moines	$49,944	$41,913*	$48,432	—*	—
Iowa State UniversityAmes	$10,497	$39,347*	$47,655	$23,250*	0.59
University of IowaIowa City	$10,964	$34,743*	$49,005	$25,907*	0.75
National Median	—	$34,515*	—	$24,250*	0.70

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Grand View University, approximately 38% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in IA. Actual outcomes may vary.