Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,988/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)
ROI 17.2x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #73 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 $481K $482K $454K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.1x 17.2x 16.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.4x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 37 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,032
Out-of-state: $75,552 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$35,724
-27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,621
60% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $25,988 per year, Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates from California State University-Long Beach earn below the $31,253 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $15,000 represents roughly 7 months of the $25,988 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #73 of 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs, California State University-Long Beach falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $41,621 show a 60% jump from the $25,988 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State University-Long Beach

California State University-Long Beach accepts 47% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 34,131 students in Long Beach, CA. With 49% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Long Beach →

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 California State University-Long Beach

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at California State University-Long Beach?
A score of 37/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Radio, Television, and Digital Communication careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $453,931 in decade earnings vs $480,569 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Radio, Television, and Digital Communication from California State University-Long Beach?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →