Analysis
Michigan State's journalism program outperforms most alternatives—both statewide and nationally—while keeping debt manageable. First-year graduates earn $36,912, ranking in the 60th percentile among Michigan journalism programs and 66th percentile nationally. That's notably better than the state median of $31,845 and surpasses Oakland University, the next closest competitor. The $24,985 in typical debt sits below the national median and translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68, meaning graduates owe roughly eight months of their starting salary.
The earnings trajectory looks promising: graduates see 35% income growth by year four, reaching nearly $50,000. That progression suggests the program connects students with careers that offer real advancement potential rather than dead-end entry positions. Among Michigan's 15 journalism programs, MSU consistently delivers stronger outcomes than regional alternatives like Wayne State or Central Michigan.
For parents worried about the affordability of journalism degrees, MSU represents one of the safer bets. The combination of above-average starting salaries, reasonable debt loads, and strong earnings growth indicates graduates are finding substantive work in media, communications, or related fields. While journalism isn't typically a high-earning field, MSU's program positions students in the upper tier of outcomes.
Where Michigan State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all journalism bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Michigan State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | $36,912 | $49,786 | +35% |
| Wayne State University | $26,591 | $49,878 | +88% |
| Oakland University | $35,545 | $37,793 | +6% |
| Eastern Michigan University | $31,845 | $36,354 | +14% |
| Central Michigan University | $25,033 | $32,022 | +28% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $36,912 | $49,786 | $24,985 | 0.68 |
 Oakland UniversityRochester Hills | $14,694 | $35,545 | $37,793 | $26,000 | 0.73 |
 Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti | $15,510 | $31,845 | $36,354 | $30,735 | 0.97 |
 Wayne State UniversityDetroit | $14,297 | $26,591 | $49,878 | $29,000 | 1.09 |
 Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant | $14,190 | $25,033 | $32,022 | $27,000 | 1.08 |
| 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 Michigan State University, approximately 20% 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 147 graduates with reported earnings and 140 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.