Journalism at University of Connecticut-Stamford

The first-year earnings here look alarming—just $24,026 places this program in the bottom 5th percentile nationally—but the trajectory tells a completely different story. Four years out, graduates reach $56,761, well above the national median and representing 136% growth. That's the kind of earnings acceleration you want to see, though the rocky start means living on very little right out of college.

UConn Stamford's journalism program sits at the median for Connecticut, which might sound mediocre until you realize Connecticut's journalism median is barely half the national average. The state's market appears weak across the board, with even top programs like Quinnipiac only hitting $40,000. Against that backdrop, climbing to $56,761 by year four makes this program one of the stronger Connecticut options for long-term earning potential. The $23,250 debt load is reasonable and becomes manageable once that four-year salary kicks in.

The catch is surviving those first few years financially. Parents should consider whether their child can manage on $24,000 annually, possibly with continued support, while building the experience that leads to that significant salary jump. If you're comparing Connecticut journalism programs and can weather the early earnings, this delivers better mid-term outcomes than most in-state alternatives.