Median Earnings (1yr)
$31,068
29th percentile
60th percentile in Oklahoma
Median Debt
$22,750
6% below national median

Analysis

Oklahoma State's journalism program sits at an interesting crossroads: while it trails national medians by about $3,500, it actually performs above average within Oklahoma, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. With University of Oklahoma journalism grads earning $36,744 and University of Central Oklahoma grads earning $28,139, OSU lands squarely in the middle of the state's range.

The $22,750 debt load is actually lighter than both the state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73—not ideal, but workable for a journalism degree. First-year earnings of $31,068 are modest, though this reflects the reality of entry-level media salaries everywhere, not a failing specific to OSU. For students committed to staying in Oklahoma's media market, this program delivers competitive preparation without excessive debt.

The significant caveat here is sample size—with fewer than 30 recent graduates reporting data, a handful of career outcomes heavily influence these numbers. If your child is serious about journalism, focus less on these specific figures and more on the program's industry connections, internship pipeline, and whether they're targeting Oklahoma media markets where OSU's network is strongest. The financial picture is survivable but tight, especially in journalism's early years.

Where Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all journalism bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma

Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater$10,234$31,068$22,7500.73
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman$9,595$36,744$48,285$24,2500.66
University of Central OklahomaEdmond$8,522$28,139$37,152$26,0000.92
National Median$34,515$24,2500.70

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with journalism graduates

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Photographers

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

$42,520/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Proofreaders and Copy Markers

Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.

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 Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, approximately 26% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.