Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,271
83rd percentile
Median Debt
$27,000
184% above national median

Analysis

Husson's certificate in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication delivers earnings nearly double the national median for this credential—$33,271 versus $18,896 nationally. That's 83rd percentile performance, placing it among the top programs in the country for this type of certificate. The trade-off is higher debt ($27,000 compared to a $9,500 national median), though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means graduates can expect to earn more than their debt load within their first year.

The significant caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could shift considerably year to year. What looks like strong earnings performance might reflect a few particularly successful graduates rather than a consistent pattern. The relatively high debt for a certificate program is also notable—many students pursue certificates specifically to avoid four-year costs, but this one carries debt loads closer to associate degree levels.

For families considering this path, the core question is whether a certificate delivers enough value over simply entering the field directly. At $27,000 in debt, you're betting that the credential opens doors worth that investment. The strong earnings relative to other certificate programs suggest it might, but the small sample means you're making that bet with limited evidence. If your child is considering broadcast media, a full degree program with more comprehensive data might offer a clearer risk-reward picture.

Where Husson University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all radio, television, and digital communication certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Husson University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Husson UniversityBangor$22,194$33,271$27,0000.81
University of GeorgiaAthens$11,180$41,858$61,647$21,0000.50
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia$14,130$38,728$19,5000.50
Colorado Media SchoolDenver$18,896$22,121$9,5000.50
Ohio Media School-Valley ViewValley View$18,896$22,121$9,5000.50
Ohio Media School-ColumbusColumbus$18,896$22,121$9,5000.50
National Median$18,896$9,5000.50

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with radio, television, and digital communication graduates

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Producers and Directors

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Technical Directors/Managers

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

$83,480/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

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.