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Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,425/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #128 of 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$397K	$408K	$398K
Earnings Multiple	3.5x	3.6x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	42%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	27	25

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$112,096

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,473

11.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Academy of Art University's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates start at $25,425/yr, trailing the $31,253 national average by 19%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the -0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,473 debt-to-$25,425 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #128 out of 140 programs, Academy of Art University's financial outcomes for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Academy of Art University

a compact campus enrolling 4,131 students in San Francisco, CA. 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Academy of Art University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Web and digital interface designers $98,090/yr

Producers and directors $83,480/yr

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Other Schools

Other Majors at Academy of Art University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Academy of Art University's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication program score?

This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Radio, Television, and Digital Communication to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Radio, Television, and Digital Communication careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Radio, Television, and Digital Communication earnings lower at Academy of Art University?

Lower starting pay at Academy of Art University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →