Analysis
A $25,000 debt load for journalism at University of Mobile lands squarely at the national median for this degree, though it's notably higher than what graduates from other Alabama journalism programs typically carry. Based on comparable programs in the state, first-year earnings around $35,500 would place this program right in line with what similar Alabama schools produce—matching the University of Alabama's outcomes and well ahead of Samford's $30,300. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 suggests manageable repayment, though journalism careers often require several job moves before salaries substantially improve.
The challenge is that these estimates reflect a small graduating class—too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. This means we're working with educated guesses rather than verified results. The school's 30% Pell grant population and 73% admission rate indicate it serves a broader economic cross-section than Alabama's flagship universities, which could affect both student resources and career network access in a relationship-driven field like journalism.
For parents weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest neither a standout bargain nor a financial red flag. But without hard data on where University of Mobile's journalism graduates actually land, you're betting on the program performing like its in-state peers—a reasonable assumption, but one worth testing through direct contact with recent alumni and the career services office.
Where University of Mobile Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all journalism bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (7 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,120 | $35,509* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $12,536 | $38,357* | $46,832 | $20,500* | 0.53 | |
| $11,900 | $35,509* | $49,146 | $25,000* | 0.70 | |
| $38,144 | $30,311* | $47,836 | $18,120* | 0.60 | |
| National Median | — | $34,515* | — | $24,250* | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with journalism graduates
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Film and Video Editors
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Photographers
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Mobile, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in AL. Actual outcomes may vary.