Analysis
Based on comparable journalism programs in Indiana, Huntington's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $38,540—matching the state median and sitting just above the national 75th percentile. That's genuinely competitive positioning for a journalism degree, where earnings often lag other fields. The estimated $25,000 debt load produces a manageable 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio, below the 1.0 threshold many financial aid experts recommend.
The catch is that these figures come from peer programs, not Huntington's actual graduate outcomes (the school's journalism cohort is too small for the Department of Education to report). What we know for certain is that Indiana journalism programs range from $31,000 to $40,000 in first-year earnings, with larger state universities producing outcomes in that higher band. Huntington's smaller size and 29% Pell grant enrollment suggest a more personalized experience, though without actual data, it's impossible to know if their graduates land closer to IU-Bloomington's outcomes or Ball State's lower figures.
The practical reality: journalism rarely produces high early earnings anywhere, but the estimated debt-to-income picture here looks workable compared to many liberal arts paths. If your student is committed to journalism, this program's estimated financials don't raise red flags—but press the school for placement rates, internship access, and what actual graduates are doing now. Those details matter more than statewide averages when the cohort is this small.
Where Huntington University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all journalism bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,982 | $38,540* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $11,790 | $39,992* | $54,955 | $19,500* | 0.49 | |
| $10,449 | $38,540* | $40,760 | $22,837* | 0.59 | |
| $10,758 | $31,398* | $47,164 | $25,675* | 0.82 | |
| 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 Huntington University, approximately 29% 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 IN. Actual outcomes may vary.