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

Cal State Northridge's media program starts slow but delivers something rare in this field: meaningful earnings growth and manageable debt. That first-year salary of $27,278 looks rough—nearly $3,000 below the national median—but by year four, graduates reach $40,021, a 47% jump that matters more than the initial struggle. Combine that trajectory with just $15,000 in debt (less than half the national median for this major), and you've got a debt load that's fully serviceable even in those leaner early years.

The California context matters here. While Northridge sits below flashier private schools like Biola or La Verne, it outperforms 60% of California's media programs—including nearby Long Beach—while keeping debt remarkably low. For a field where many graduates carry $24,000+ in loans and face similarly modest starting salaries, Northridge's financial profile stands out. The 93% admission rate and heavy Pell Grant population (56%) suggest this program serves first-generation and working-class students who need exactly this combination: accessible entry, affordable exit, and real career progression.

The tradeoff is clear: you're not buying the prestige or instant connections of a USC or Chapman. But if your child can handle a couple lean years while building their career, Northridge offers a financially viable path into an industry where many programs leave graduates with crushing debt and no better earnings prospects.