Journalism at University of Central Oklahoma

University of Central Oklahoma's journalism program starts graduates at just $28,139—significantly below both the national median ($34,515) and Oklahoma's median ($31,068) for journalism degrees. While the program ranks in the 40th percentile statewide, that still means trailing competitors like University of Oklahoma's program by over $8,000 in first-year earnings. The $26,000 in typical debt isn't excessive by national standards, but when paired with below-average starting salaries, it creates a debt-to-earnings ratio that approaches parity at 0.92.

The silver lining is meaningful earnings growth: graduates see a 32% increase by year four, reaching $37,152. That's solid momentum and suggests the degree does build marketable skills over time. Still, even at year four, earnings remain modest—roughly what top Oklahoma journalism programs deliver right out of the gate.

For families banking on journalism as a career path, understand that this program will likely mean a financially tight first few years post-graduation. The degree does appear to pay off eventually, but only if your child is prepared for below-median starting wages in a field that's already among the lower-paying majors. If journalism is the goal regardless of economics, UCO offers a relatively low-debt entry point—just don't expect the earnings to match the passion immediately.