Journalism at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Oklahoma's journalism graduates start at $36,744—outpacing the state median by 18% and landing in the 65th percentile nationally. More importantly, they're pulling ahead of their peers over time: by year four, earnings jump 31% to $48,285, well above typical journalism trajectories. Among Oklahoma's 11 journalism programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, making it the clear frontrunner for students staying in-state.
The debt picture is manageable at $24,250, creating a 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio that means graduates owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary. That's reasonable for a field not known for high starting pay, and the strong earnings growth suggests these graduates are building sustainable careers rather than churning through entry-level positions. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these numbers reliable, not statistical flukes.
For families concerned about journalism's reputation for low pay and instability, OU offers evidence of a different path. The combination of above-average starting salaries, substantial earnings growth, and reasonable debt suggests the program is successfully placing graduates in roles with advancement potential. At Oklahoma's flagship university, this program delivers competitive outcomes without the premium price tag of private institutions.
Where University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all journalism bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 65th percentile of all journalism bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $36,744 | $48,285 | $24,250 | 0.66 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $31,068 | — | $22,750 | 0.73 |
| University of Central Oklahoma | $28,139 | $37,152 | $26,000 | 0.92 |
| National Median | $34,515 | — | $24,250 | 0.70 |
Other Journalism Programs in Oklahoma
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oklahoma schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater | $10,234 | $31,068 | $22,750 |
| University of Central Oklahoma Edmond | $8,522 | $28,139 | $26,000 |
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 Oklahoma-Norman Campus, approximately 24% 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 183 graduates with reported earnings and 197 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.