Journalism at Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State's journalism program produces graduates earning about $31,000 in their first year—roughly $3,700 below the national median and $1,000 below Georgia's typical journalism graduate. While these earnings place the program in the 40th percentile statewide, that context matters less when you consider that Georgia College journalism grads earn $7,800 more and even Georgia State, despite lower first-year numbers, may offer stronger career network advantages in Atlanta's media market.

The debt picture adds another concern. At $24,700, graduates carry debt roughly equal to 80% of their first-year salary, meaning they're facing significant monthly payments on entry-level media wages. This isn't catastrophically high—it's near the national median for journalism programs—but it creates real financial pressure when you're starting at under $31,000. For context, the typical graduate here would need to dedicate about 10% of their gross income just to standard 10-year loan payments.

If your child is committed to journalism, this program won't close doors, but the combination of below-average earnings and moderate debt means they'll likely struggle more financially than peers at UGA or Georgia College. The 69% admission rate suggests accessibility, but for a field where internships and connections often matter more than the credential itself, families should weigh whether this investment makes sense compared to starting at a community college or choosing a stronger state alternative.