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Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $22,487/yr (-28% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

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

ROI 17.6x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #50 of 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs Top 50%

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	$596K	$584K	$531K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.0x	17.6x	16.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.4x	7.2x	6.6x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	42%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	41	39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$33,160

Out-of-state: $80,680 (7.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,696

-95% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,332

8.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,045

136% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $22,487/yr fall 28% below the $31,253 national median for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 17.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Radio, Television, and Digital Communication career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,332 against $22,487/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #50 ranking among 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs places San Diego State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $22,487-to-$53,045 earnings arc over five years reflects a 136% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University admits 34% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, serving a student body of 33,654 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego State 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

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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 does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at San Diego State University?

At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at San Diego State University?

The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is San Diego State University a good choice for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If San Diego State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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