Journalism at Temple University

Temple's journalism program shows a debt load that's actually lighter than the national median, but graduates start at earnings significantly below both national and state benchmarks—ranking in just the 29th percentile nationally and 40th in Pennsylvania. That first-year figure of $31,000 trails not only Pennsylvania's median but also lags behind most of Temple's in-state competitors, including regional schools like Point Park and Shippensburg. However, the story shifts dramatically by year four: earnings jump 56% to over $48,000, vaulting past what we see at nearly every other Pennsylvania journalism program.

This trajectory suggests Temple graduates may be taking entry-level positions that don't immediately reflect their long-term earning potential—perhaps starting in lower-paid newsroom roles, freelancing, or working in communications positions that build toward better-paying opportunities. The $26,000 debt burden is manageable relative to that first-year income, and becomes quite reasonable once graduates reach the four-year mark.

For parents, the question is whether your child can weather those lean early years. If they have family support or can minimize additional expenses during that initial period, Temple's program appears to deliver strong mid-career outcomes at a relatively affordable price. The risk lies entirely in those first couple years when income will be tight.