Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Central Washington University

Central Washington's radio and TV program performs solidly among Washington state options, landing at the 60th percentile and matching the state median of $32,808. With only five schools offering this major in Washington, this essentially means graduates here earn more than two of their in-state competitors, though they trail Seattle University slightly. The $22,975 median debt sits above the state average but below the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70—manageable territory for a communications degree.

The real question is whether $32,808 a year after graduation provides enough runway for a media career. Communications fields notoriously start slow, and first-year earnings don't tell the whole story for an industry where networking and experience matter enormously. The program does beat national averages by nearly $3,000, suggesting Central Washington prepares students better than most comparable schools. For a family paying in-state tuition at a highly accessible public university (90% admission rate), that's a reasonable foundation.

The catch: we're looking at a small sample size here, so one exceptional graduate or one struggling cohort could swing these numbers significantly. If your student is passionate about broadcasting or digital media and plans to stay in Washington, this program offers middle-of-the-pack value without the debt burden of private alternatives. Just ensure they understand that breaking into media typically requires hustle beyond the degree itself.