Journalism at Montclair State University

That $25,575 first-year salary is troubling—it places Montclair's journalism program in the bottom 5% nationally and well below New Jersey's median of $32,523. While the debt load is relatively modest at $19,500 (lower than both state and national medians), graduates are still starting with debt equal to 76% of their first-year income. For context, journalism grads at The College of New Jersey earn $42,217 their first year out, a 65% premium over Montclair. Even Rowan and Rutgers grads start around $32,000-$34,000.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, but that uncertainty cuts both ways—there's no guarantee the next cohort will do better. The 87% admission rate and relatively accessible price point make Montclair appealing for access, particularly for the 44% of students on Pell grants. However, journalism is already a notoriously tough field for entry-level compensation, and starting nearly $7,000 below the state median compounds that challenge.

If your child is set on journalism at Montclair, they should plan on aggressive internships and networking to beat these odds. Otherwise, consider whether nearby alternatives like Rowan might offer better earning potential for a similar price point, or whether journalism truly requires a dedicated major—many successful journalists major in other fields and contribute to campus media.