Journalism at Western Illinois University
Bachelor's Degree
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 Illinois
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Illinois University | — | $33,956 | — | — |
| Northwestern University | $50,426 | $63,740 | $15,333 | 0.30 |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $40,575 | $42,041 | $25,500 | 0.63 |
| Loyola University Chicago | $38,302 | $49,526 | $23,000 | 0.60 |
| DePaul University | $37,388 | $48,283 | $24,334 | 0.65 |
| Illinois State University | $36,643 | $45,989 | $23,500 | 0.64 |
| National Median | $34,515 | — | $24,250 | 0.70 |
Other Journalism Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University Evanston | $65,997 | $50,426 | $15,333 |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale | $13,244 | $40,575 | $25,500 |
| Loyola University Chicago Chicago | $51,716 | $38,302 | $23,000 |
| DePaul University Chicago | $44,460 | $37,388 | $24,334 |
| Illinois State University Normal | $16,021 | $36,643 | $23,500 |
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 Western Illinois University, approximately 28% 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.