Journalism at University of California-Irvine

UC Irvine's journalism program shows an unusual earnings trajectory that defies typical media industry patterns. While first-year earnings of $31,000 place graduates below both national and state medians, earnings jump 57% by year four to nearly $49,000—surpassing all but one journalism program in California. This growth pattern suggests graduates are either breaking into competitive media markets or pivoting into adjacent communications roles that value the UC brand.

The debt picture strengthens the value proposition considerably. At $16,900, graduates borrow roughly $7,000 less than the state median for journalism programs, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54. This is notably lower than what you'd find at private alternatives like Chapman or Pepperdine, where similar career trajectories come with significantly higher price tags.

The challenge is that first year after graduation, when recent grads are likely working entry-level reporting or content roles at modest salaries. Parents should plan for their child to need financial support during this launch period. However, the combination of strong four-year outcomes, reasonable debt, and UC Irvine's 26% admission rate (signaling academic rigor that employers recognize) makes this a solid journalism investment—particularly for California residents paying in-state tuition.