Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Colorado Media School

Colorado Media School's radio and television certificate program delivers exactly what you'd expect from this field—modest starting salaries with reasonable debt levels. With first-year earnings of $18,896 and graduation debt of $9,500, you're looking at a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.50, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a few years.

The program performs slightly above average within Colorado, ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's seven similar programs, though earnings remain flat compared to national benchmarks. The 17% earnings growth from year one to year four ($18,896 to $22,121) shows some upward trajectory, but you're still looking at relatively low wages even after several years in the field.

The practical reality is that media careers often start with entry-level positions that pay modestly, and this program reflects that industry norm. The low debt load is genuinely positive—many students graduate with manageable financial obligations rather than crushing debt. However, if your child needs to earn significant income quickly after graduation, this isn't the path to get there. This program makes sense for students passionate about media who understand they're entering a field where career satisfaction often outweighs immediate financial returns, and where building experience and networks matters as much as the credential itself.