Journalism at Roosevelt University

Based on comparable journalism programs in Illinois, Roosevelt graduates likely earn around $37,000 in their first year—squarely in the middle of what's typical for the field in Chicago. The estimated $23,667 debt load translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64, which is manageable by most standards and slightly better than the state median. For context, Northwestern's program produces significantly higher earnings ($50,426), but that comes with its own price tag and selectivity; Roosevelt serves a different student population, with 46% of students receiving Pell grants.

The challenge with journalism isn't unique to Roosevelt—it's an industry-wide reality. Even at the 75th percentile nationally, journalism majors earn just $38,246 their first year out. These estimates suggest Roosevelt's program performs comparably to other Illinois schools like DePaul and Illinois State, but you're still looking at modest starting salaries regardless of where your child studies journalism.

The practical question is whether your child can manage the monthly loan payments on a $37,000 salary while building a career in a field known for demanding early-career work. If they're passionate about journalism and willing to navigate those financial constraints—perhaps supplementing income with freelance work or accepting that roommates will be part of the equation—the debt burden here isn't prohibitive. But if they're uncertain about the career path, programs with stronger earning potential deserve serious consideration.