Does journalism count as a "fluff" program?
It was an expensive degree, but my dad paid for my tuition. I am now working two jobs: as a part-time writer for a non-profit media group (which pays too little, considering I have 10 years of working experience + 2 experience as an editor), and I also work as the social media person for my friend's beauty business (which pays ok, considering how little updating I have to do).
I don't have any regrets, except that I wish I did better in pre-university (I am from Malaysia, where we have programs like A Level, and diplomas. I did A Level) so that I cold have joined a sociology degree program, or political science at a reputable public uni.
The university I went to was overpriced (like I said above) and wasn't so academically challenging, but looking back at it now I am glad that I went there anyway because of the strong industry connections that the university had, which helped me land a prestigious internship at a top news organisation (that internship later was translated into a permanent job position.)
Hope this answers your questions. Feel free to ask me anything!