Skip to main content

Best Value Radio Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Georgia Tech stands alone among Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs with graduates earning $58,673 annually despite a net cost of $13,289. This creates the widest earnings gap in the field, where most programs produce graduates earning between $22,378 and $33,382. The CUNY system offers the most affordable entry point at Brooklyn College with a $2,943 net cost, though earnings remain modest at $29,141. Florida's public universities present strong value propositions, with the University of Florida achieving a 91.5% graduation rate while maintaining reasonable costs. The media industry's concentration in major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta creates natural advantages for students attending nearby institutions. California State schools dominate the West Coast options with consistent sub-$8,000 net costs across multiple campuses. Connecticut's satellite campuses provide northeastern access points, though at higher price points that reflect regional cost structures.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $33,139
Net Price Range
$32,513
Avg. Program Earnings
61.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,943 $29,141 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
2 $3,486 $32,925 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
3 $3,659 $28,816 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
4 $4,702 $33,382 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
5 $4,113 $22,378 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
6 $6,351 $33,382 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
7 $5,646 $28,849 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
8 $6,276 $31,762 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
9 $8,896 $41,205 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
10 $13,289 $58,673 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
11 $11,504 $41,205 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
12 $7,599 $27,073 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
13 $8,001 $25,405 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
14 $13,339 $41,205 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
15 $10,997 $32,439 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
16 $14,059 $41,205 $17,472 56.9% 92.2%
17 $9,121 $26,353 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
18 $11,408 $32,124 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
19 $10,650 $29,685 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
20 $10,319 $28,055 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
21 $12,514 $33,565 $8,634 47.8% 93.2%
22 $13,816 $36,668 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
23 $12,882 $34,157 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
24 $8,931 $23,364 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
25 $17,546 $45,852 $9,772 46.7% 89.3%
26 $13,164 $34,348 $9,412 68.5% 97.4%
27 $14,159 $35,060 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
28 $14,401 $35,546 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
29 $10,726 $26,353 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
30 $11,592 $27,048 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
31 $15,152 $35,060 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
32 $14,773 $33,993 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
33 $13,741 $31,527 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
34 $15,235 $34,942 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
35 $17,435 $39,729 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
36 $9,962 $22,485 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
37 $10,916 $24,532 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
38 $13,782 $29,685 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
39 $14,609 $30,554 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
40 $10,082 $20,140 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
41 $18,045 $35,416 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
42 $15,342 $30,098 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
43 $13,085 $25,658 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
44 $14,352 $28,019 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
45 $17,722 $34,230 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
46 $33,139 $63,005 $61,884 83.2% 64.5%
47 $14,981 $28,381 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
48 $12,621 $23,649 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
49 $14,922 $27,784 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
50 $15,898 $29,524 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Georgia Tech's $58,673 median earnings compared to other programs?

Georgia Tech's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication program benefits from its location in Atlanta, a major media center hosting CNN, Turner Broadcasting, and numerous production companies. The school's 92.3% graduation rate reflects rigorous academic standards that appeal to high-paying employers. Students gain access to Atlanta's thriving entertainment industry, which includes film production, sports broadcasting, and digital content creation. The $13,289 net cost represents strong value given the earning potential that nearly doubles most comparable programs.

How do CUNY schools achieve such low net costs for media programs?

Brooklyn College and City College maintain net costs under $3,500 through New York State's commitment to affordable public education and substantial need-based aid. Both schools serve high percentages of students qualifying for federal and state grants, dramatically reducing actual costs below sticker prices. The schools leverage New York City's massive media market for internships and job placement without requiring students to relocate. Despite modest earnings of $29,141 to $32,925, graduates enter careers debt-free or with minimal student loans averaging just $10,588.

Is the University of Florida's online program worth considering over traditional options?

Florida's online program offers a $4,702 net cost with the same $33,382 median earnings as the main campus while providing scheduling flexibility. The 77.7% graduation rate demonstrates strong student support systems despite the distance learning format. Students save on housing and living expenses while accessing the same faculty and industry connections that benefit on-campus students. The program particularly appeals to working professionals seeking career transitions into media without relocating to Gainesville.

Does California's job market justify attending multiple CSU campuses for this major?

California's entertainment industry supports strong job prospects across Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Bay Area, making location choice important. CSU Fullerton shows the strongest performance with a 69.2% graduation rate and $28,849 earnings, reflecting its proximity to Hollywood production facilities. Los Angeles and Northridge offer lower costs but varying graduation rates of 52.6% and 56.2% respectively. Dominguez Hills provides the most affordable option at $3,659 net cost, though earnings drop to $28,816, still competitive within the state system.

Where do Connecticut's satellite campuses fit in the regional media market?

Connecticut's University satellite campuses in Waterbury, Hartford, and Groton serve students seeking northeastern media careers without the expense of relocating to major cities. All three campuses report identical $41,205 median earnings, suggesting strong alumni networks and shared career services. The $8,896 to $13,339 net cost range reflects Connecticut's higher cost of living but provides access to New York City and Boston media markets. Graduation rates between 56.7% and 65.4% indicate varying campus support systems despite shared academic programs.

More Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Rankings

Cheapest Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Under $20,000

Related

All Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.