Journalism at Marquette University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Marquette's journalism program commands a premium price but delivers earnings that justify it—at least initially. The $38,700 starting salary places graduates in the 77th percentile nationally for journalism majors, well above the $34,515 national median. Within Wisconsin, Marquette ties for the median, positioning it as a solid middle performer among the state's eight journalism programs, trailing only UW-Madison.
The debt picture is surprisingly manageable for a private university. At $26,000, graduates carry debt equal to just 67% of first-year earnings—a ratio that's better than 75% of journalism programs nationally. That's rare territory for journalism degrees, which often saddle graduates with debt exceeding their annual income. The 32% earnings growth to $51,254 by year four suggests the Marquette brand and network create meaningful career acceleration.
For parents weighing the private school premium, this is one of the safer bets in journalism education. You're paying more upfront (19% Pell grant enrollment suggests limited financial aid compared to public universities), but getting outcomes that outpace three-quarters of journalism programs nationwide. The real question is whether that advantage over UW-Madison's $40,942 starting salary justifies potentially double the total cost of attendance.
Where Marquette University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all journalism bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Marquette University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Marquette University graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 77th percentile of all journalism bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquette University | $38,700 | $51,254 | $26,000 | 0.67 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $40,942 | $56,265 | $23,250 | 0.57 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $36,139 | $43,681 | $26,000 | 0.72 |
| National Median | $34,515 | — | $24,250 | 0.70 |
Other Journalism Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison | $11,205 | $40,942 | $23,250 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater | $8,250 | $36,139 | $26,000 |
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 Marquette University, approximately 19% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 32 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.