Journalism at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT Knoxville's journalism program starts graduates below the national median at $32,082, but the 48% earnings jump to $47,546 by year four tells a different story than the initial numbers suggest. While first-year earnings trail the national average by about $2,400, graduates who stick with journalism careers see their pay accelerate significantly—outpacing what most journalism programs deliver over time. Among Tennessee schools, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, positioning it as a solid mid-tier option in-state, though the competitive advantage over regional alternatives like University of Memphis ($32,820) is modest.

The debt picture is manageable at $22,849, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 that's better than many journalism programs nationally. However, that initial $32,000 salary means graduates face tight budgets in their first year or two post-graduation. The real payoff comes for those who advance in their journalism careers—the year-four earnings of $47,546 represent strong growth in a field not known for lucrative early paychecks.

For families considering journalism despite its reputation for low pay, this program offers a pragmatic path forward: expect lean early years but meaningful income growth for committed professionals. The combination of reasonable debt and strong earnings trajectory makes this workable for students serious about the field, particularly if they can minimize additional living expenses during those first couple of years.