Journalism at Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University's journalism program produces earnings that trail not just the national median by 14%, but also lag behind Kentucky's own median for journalism graduates. Starting at under $30,000 and ranking in the bottom quartile both nationally and within the state, these graduates face a tougher early career than peers at nearby University of Kentucky ($36,926) or Western Kentucky University ($35,050). The 96% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest an open-access mission, but that accessibility doesn't translate into competitive career outcomes for this particular major.

The debt load of $26,122 isn't outrageous—it's actually close to both state and national medians for journalism programs. The concern is the combination: a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88 means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary right out of college. The 35% earnings growth to $40,037 by year four offers some relief, but that still leaves graduates playing catch-up compared to what they might have earned starting out from Kentucky's flagship program.

For families considering this path, the math is straightforward: if your child is set on journalism and Northern Kentucky is the most affordable option, it can work—the debt isn't crushing. But if University of Kentucky or Western Kentucky is financially feasible, those programs deliver better starting positions in an already competitive field.