Journalism at Indiana University-Bloomington

IU-Bloomington's journalism program outearns 84% of journalism programs nationwide and shows something rare in media careers: strong earnings growth over time. While the first-year salary of $40,000 might seem modest, graduates see their income jump 37% by year four, reaching nearly $55,000—well above what most journalism programs deliver. The debt burden of $19,500 is manageable at less than half of first-year earnings, and notably lower than the $24,250 national median for journalism degrees.

Within Indiana, this program sits comfortably in the upper half, though it's worth noting that journalism salaries in the state generally run higher than the national average. The combination of a well-regarded program, reasonable debt, and strong earnings trajectory makes this a solid choice for students serious about journalism. At 80% admission rate, it's accessible too, though the 1308 average SAT suggests you'll be learning alongside motivated peers.

The real advantage here is getting a journalism degree that actually pays off financially. Most journalism programs leave graduates struggling with higher debt and lower earnings. If your child is committed to this field, IU-Bloomington offers both the career preparation and financial outcomes that make the degree worthwhile—not something you can say about most journalism programs nationally.