Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at University of Houston

Houston, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,250/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #86 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 $528K $524K $486K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.5x 12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 5.9x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,844
Out-of-state: $88,764 (5.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,412
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,730
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,787
93% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Houston's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates start at $24,250/yr, trailing the $31,253 national average by 22%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 13.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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 $18,730 against $24,250/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #86 ranking among 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs places University of Houston in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,250-to-$46,787 earnings arc over five years reflects a 93% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Houston

University of Houston's 70% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with 37,175 students enrolled in Houston, TX. With 41% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Houston →

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 University of Houston

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at University of Houston?
At 35/100, 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 University of Houston?
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 University of Houston a good choice for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Houston'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 →