Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at California State University-Los Angeles

Cal State LA's radio and television program starts graduates at just $22,133—well below both California's median ($25,706) and the national average ($29,976). That puts it in the bottom 5% nationally, though surprisingly it ranks at the 40th percentile within California, where many similar programs also produce disappointing early returns. However, earnings nearly double by year four to $33,442, ultimately matching the national 75th percentile and surpassing several California peers like San Francisco State and Northridge.

The debt picture here is genuinely favorable: at $15,068, graduates owe about half the national median for this field. With 66% of students on Pell grants, this access to affordable credentials matters. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 means debt stays manageable even during those lean first years, and becomes quite comfortable as earnings accelerate.

The core question is whether your child can weather the initial financial squeeze. That first year out, they're making roughly $11 per hour full-time—difficult in Los Angeles even with modest debt. But if they can navigate those early years (perhaps with parental support or a roommate situation), the trajectory improves substantially. This program works best for students who have realistic expectations about entry-level media salaries and a financial cushion to get through the initial period while building their careers.