Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,184
85th percentile
95th percentile in Connecticut
Median Debt
$24,500
1% above national median

Analysis

Quinnipiac's journalism program stands out sharply in Connecticut, where it produces graduates earning more than double the state median of $24,026. That 95th percentile state ranking isn't just marginally better—it's a fundamental difference in outcomes. Even within the school's first year, graduates out-earn the typical Connecticut journalism major by $16,000, and by year four, that gap widens to over $30,000. Nationally, this program also performs well above average, landing in the 85th percentile.

The debt load of $24,500 is entirely manageable here, representing just over half of first-year earnings—a ratio that puts most graduates in comfortable repayment territory. More importantly, earnings jump 38% by year four, reaching $55,623, which means graduates aren't stuck in entry-level pay scales. This trajectory matters for a field often criticized for low wages and limited advancement.

For families worried about journalism's reputation as a financially risky major, Quinnipiac's track record should ease those concerns. The program costs roughly the same as competitors but delivers dramatically different outcomes. While the moderate sample size means individual results will vary, the gap between Quinnipiac and other Connecticut options is too large to ignore. If your child is committed to journalism and willing to attend school in Connecticut, this program offers a clear advantage over the alternatives.

Where Quinnipiac University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Quinnipiac University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Quinnipiac University$40,184$55,623+38%
University of Connecticut$24,026$56,761+136%
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus$24,026$56,761+136%
University of Connecticut-Avery Point$24,026$56,761+136%
University of Connecticut-Stamford$24,026$56,761+136%

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Quinnipiac UniversityHamden$53,090$40,184$55,623$24,5000.61
Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven$12,828$36,153$21,0470.58
Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain$12,460$34,577$26,9090.78
University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton$17,462$24,026$56,761$23,2500.97
University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford$17,472$24,026$56,761$23,2500.97
University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusHartford$17,452$24,026$56,761$23,2500.97
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 Quinnipiac University, approximately 16% 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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 58 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.