Journalism at University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado's journalism program starts slow but shows remarkable momentum—graduates earn just $30,216 in their first year but see a 44% jump to $43,381 by year four. That's unusually strong growth for journalism, a field where early earnings typically stay fairly flat. The $21,750 debt load, while not trivial, is actually below both the national and state medians for this major, giving graduates reasonable breathing room as they establish themselves.

The program ranks below Colorado's median initially (40th percentile statewide), trailing both CSU-Fort Collins and Metro State in early earnings. However, that four-year trajectory suggests UNC graduates are gaining traction in the field faster than typical. First-year earnings of $30K in journalism aren't alarming—many entry-level media positions pay modestly—but you'd want to understand what's driving that strong upward curve. Are graduates moving into communications or PR roles? Landing at larger markets or companies?

For a family comfortable with delayed returns, this could work. Your child would need to weather a lean first couple of years, likely supplementing with part-time work or living frugally. But the debt load won't strangle them, and if the earnings growth pattern holds, they'll be in solid financial shape by their mid-twenties. The key question: can your family support that initial low-earning period without your child drowning in additional private loans?