Analysis
Husson's audiovisual communications program outperforms most competitors nationally while keeping debt manageable—a combination that's harder to find than you might expect in this field. The $29,736 starting salary beats the national median by $3,500 and ranks in the 74th percentile among similar programs. The $27,000 in typical debt sits below the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0 that allows graduates to manage repayment while building their careers.
The earnings trajectory shows encouraging signs. By year four, graduates see salaries climb to $32,894—an 11% gain that suggests these skills translate into steady career progression rather than dead-end technical roles. For a field where some programs leave graduates earning barely above $20,000, Husson's track record demonstrates that its industry connections and curriculum deliver tangible value. The 60th percentile state ranking is somewhat misleading since Husson is the only Maine school offering this degree, making it your sole in-state option.
For a family weighing this path, the numbers work: annual debt payments should consume about 11% of starting income, which falls within the manageable range. The real question is whether your child is committed to this specific career path—this isn't a generalist degree with broad applications. If they're serious about audiovisual production work, Husson provides solid preparation at a reasonable cost.
Where Husson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all audiovisual communications technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Husson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husson University | $29,736 | $32,894 | +11% |
| Bowie State University | $35,168 | $46,486 | +32% |
| American University | $19,337 | $46,422 | +140% |
| New England Institute of Technology | $37,101 | $43,846 | +18% |
| Columbia College Chicago | $20,927 | $38,837 | +86% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $22,194 | $29,736 | $32,894 | $27,000 | 0.91 | |
| $35,625 | $37,101 | $43,846 | $27,170 | 0.73 | |
| $8,999 | $35,168 | $46,486 | $26,000 | 0.74 | |
| $13,630 | $34,043 | $33,875 | $22,481 | 0.66 | |
| $26,417 | $30,014 | $29,220 | $43,000 | 1.43 | |
| $10,024 | $28,938 | — | $36,250 | 1.25 | |
| National Median | — | $26,194 | — | $26,000 | 0.99 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with audiovisual communications technologies/technicians graduates
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Film and Video Editors
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
Audio and Video Technicians
Broadcast Technicians
Sound Engineering Technicians
Lighting Technicians
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 Husson University, approximately 35% 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 71 graduates with reported earnings and 73 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.