Analysis
At $38,118 in first-year earnings, UNT's journalism program significantly outperforms both national and Texas mediums, landing in the 74th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Texas programs. This puts graduates ahead of most journalism programs nationwide and competitive with respected in-state options like UT Austin ($39,336) and University of Houston ($36,226), despite UNT's more accessible admission standards.
The debt picture strengthens the value proposition considerably. At $19,877, graduates carry about $4,600 less debt than the Texas median and nearly $4,400 less than the national average. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates need roughly half their first year's salary to cover their debt—manageable territory for a field often criticized for low pay. Strong 25% earnings growth to $47,700 by year four shows the program positions graduates for meaningful career advancement.
For journalism—a field where breaking in matters more than prestige—UNT delivers solid preparation at a reasonable cost. The combination of above-average starting salaries, below-average debt, and robust sample size makes this a smart choice for students serious about journalism careers without the financial burden that often comes with more expensive programs.
Where University of North Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all journalism bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Texas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Texas | $38,118 | $47,700 | +25% |
| Baylor University | $35,675 | $51,918 | +46% |
| Southern Methodist University | $40,502 | $51,501 | +27% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $39,336 | $51,204 | +30% |
| University of Houston | $36,226 | $42,967 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $38,118 | $47,700 | $19,877 | 0.52 |
 Southern Methodist UniversityDallas | $64,460 | $40,502 | $51,501 | $19,448 | 0.48 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $39,336 | $51,204 | $21,500 | 0.55 |
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $36,226 | $42,967 | $21,500 | 0.59 |
 Baylor UniversityWaco | $54,844 | $35,675 | $51,918 | $23,959 | 0.67 |
 Texas State UniversitySan Marcos | $11,450 | $33,255 | $35,078 | $20,847 | 0.63 |
| 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 North Texas, approximately 36% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 384 graduates with reported earnings and 400 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.