Compare 5 Journalism. programs in Kentucky. Average earnings: $36,718.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Journalism tells a different story. Across 5 programs, earnings range from $32,022 to $40,336—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Western Kentucky University's Journalism program leads with graduates earning $40,336, well above the $36,718 state average. Northern Kentucky follows at $40,037, while the University of Kentucky lags at $38,624—proof that program outcomes don't follow institutional prestige patterns.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Western Kentucky graduates borrow $22,095 and face a 17.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. Northern Kentucky offers the best family value with a 31.5% combined burden, still challenging but more accessible than UK's 48.7% family burden.
Highest program earnings: $40,336
Strong outcomes with 97% acceptance
17.1% payment burden | Manageable
31.5% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $40,336 | 84 | $22,095 | Manageable | $18,310 | High | |
| #2 | $40,037 | 69 | $23,000 | Challenging | $14,877 | High | |
| #3 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $38,624 | 53 | $22,500 | Challenging | $30,006 | High |
| #4 | Murray State UniversityPublic | $32,569 | 10 | $20,500 | High | $18,465 | High |
| #5 | $32,022 | 8 | $25,938 | High | $16,859 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
