2026 ROI Award Winner
Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,814
44th percentile
60th percentile in Arizona
Median Debt
$10,344
At national median

Analysis

The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences offers something you don't often see in technical training: dramatic earnings growth that transforms initial modest pay into respectable income. While graduates start at just $21,814—below the national average for audiovisual programs—their earnings jump 43% by year four to $31,210, creating a compelling trajectory for career development.

Within Arizona's limited audiovisual training landscape, this program ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings despite being exactly at the state median, suggesting it's among the better options in a field where most programs cluster around similar outcomes. The $10,344 debt load is perfectly manageable given the earnings pattern, creating a debt-to-income ratio of just 0.47 that should allow graduates to pay off loans without financial strain.

The strong earnings growth suggests this program successfully prepares students for advancement in Arizona's media and entertainment sectors. With robust sample size backing these numbers, parents can feel confident this isn't a statistical fluke. For families seeking practical technical training that leads to genuine career progression rather than just entry-level jobs, this program delivers measurable results that justify the modest upfront investment.

Where Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all audiovisual communications technologies/technicians certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences$21,814$31,210+43%
Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology$17,311$28,608+65%
MediaTech Institute-Dallas$24,821$24,647-1%
MediaTech Institute-Houston$24,821$24,647-1%
SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville$14,477$23,592+63%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Conservatory of Recording Arts and SciencesTempe$21,814$31,210$10,3440.47
York Technical CollegeRock Hill$5,512$28,113
Full Sail UniversityWinter Park$26,417$24,862$18,2450.73
MediaTech Institute-HoustonHouston$24,821$24,647$14,7500.59
MediaTech Institute-DallasDallas$24,821$24,647$14,7500.59
Florida Institute of Recording Sound and TechnologyOrlando$17,311$28,608$7,8530.45
National Median$23,318$10,3440.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with audiovisual communications technologies/technicians graduates

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners

Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Includes stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.

$67,310/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Audio and Video Technicians

Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Broadcast Technicians

Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Lighting Technicians

Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 496 graduates with reported earnings and 536 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.