Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indiana University-Indianapolis's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication program starts slower than you'd hope—$28,508 in year one is below both state and national medians—but the trajectory is what matters here. Four years out, graduates reach $45,940, a 61% earnings jump that places this program among the stronger performers for career progression in this field. That first-year figure might reflect the reality of entry-level media work (internships converting to staff positions, freelance building toward stability), but the growth curve suggests graduates are breaking through to better opportunities.

The $22,959 debt load is reasonable, translating to a 0.81 ratio against first-year earnings—manageable even during those leaner early years. However, context matters: within Indiana, this program sits squarely at the median, meaning half of in-state alternatives deliver better outcomes. Purdue Global graduates earn $48,000+ right out of the gate, and even University of Southern Indiana shows stronger early returns. For an Indianapolis-based family where location matters, IU-Indy offers convenience and urban media market access, but you're not getting a premium outcome for staying close to home.

The bottom line: This program works if you value the growth potential and can weather modest starting salaries, but don't choose it assuming the IU brand delivers exceptional value in this field. It's a middle-of-the-pack option that improves with time—fine if other factors (location, campus fit, specific faculty) tip the scales, but not a standout on earnings alone.