Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at California State University-Fullerton

Cal State Fullerton's media program starts graduates at just $24,650—below both the state median and national average—but delivers impressive momentum with 79% earnings growth by year four, reaching $44,074. This trajectory moves graduates from the 40th percentile among California programs initially to well above both state and national benchmarks after several years. The modest debt load of $17,504 (significantly below the national median of $24,250) means students aren't buried financially while they build their careers.

The real question is whether parents can stomach that first-year number. At the program's accessible $87,000-per-year price point and serving a heavily Pell-eligible population, many graduates likely work entry-level production or digital marketing roles that pay poorly but offer genuine advancement. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 suggests manageable payments even during those lean early years, and the four-year earnings approaching $44,000 represent a solid middle-class income for creative media work.

This program makes sense if your child is committed to the media industry and willing to grind through entry-level work. The debt is reasonable, the trajectory is promising, and the four-year earnings beat most competing California programs. But if they're uncertain about the field or expecting immediate financial returns, look elsewhere—that first year will be financially tight, and this career path requires patience.