Analysis
Evangel's media program serves students well within Missouri, ranking in the 60th percentile for earnings among state programs—though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual circumstances heavily influence these averages. The $27,000 debt load is remarkably low, landing in just the 5th percentile nationally, which gives graduates breathing room as they establish themselves in an industry notorious for modest entry-level pay.
That first-year salary of $28,656 sits below the national median, but the trajectory matters more here: earnings jump 38% to nearly $40,000 by year four, suggesting graduates are finding their footing and advancing beyond initial positions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.94 means most graduates can feasibly manage their loans, even in those leaner early years. Within Missouri's media landscape, this program performs respectably—graduates earn roughly the state median and carry typical debt for the field.
The real advantage here is affordability rather than earnings potential. If your child is committed to media work and understands they'll need to hustle through those first few years, the relatively light debt burden makes Evangel a reasonable launchpad. The earnings growth suggests persistence pays off, though you should verify that this trajectory holds with a larger sample before making a final decision.
Where Evangel University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Evangel University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evangel University | $28,656 | $39,462 | +38% |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | $76,507 | $77,892 | +2% |
| New York University | $47,666 | $65,523 | +37% |
| Miami University-Hamilton | $50,938 | $59,993 | +18% |
| University of Central Missouri | $28,146 | $37,433 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (9 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,192 | $28,656 | $39,462 | $27,000 | 0.94 | |
| $9,739 | $28,146 | $37,433 | $27,125 | 0.96 | |
| National Median | — | $29,976 | — | $24,250 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with radio, television, and digital communication graduates
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Producers and Directors
Media Programming Directors
Talent Directors
Media Technical Directors/Managers
Film and Video Editors
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
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 Evangel University, 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.