Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Ithaca College

Ithaca College graduates in this field start modestly at $30,355, but the trajectory tells a more promising story—earnings jump 68% to nearly $51,000 by year four, well above both the national and New York state medians. This kind of earnings acceleration suggests graduates are successfully building careers in competitive media markets, likely landing in production roles or digital content positions that value a few years of experience. Among New York's 34 programs in this field, Ithaca ranks in the 60th percentile, a solid showing in a state where top programs like RIT and NYU dominate the upper tier.

The debt picture is manageable, with graduates owing $23,921—essentially matching state and national benchmarks. That creates a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79, meaning initial loan payments might feel tight on an entry-level media salary, but the rapid earnings growth should ease that burden considerably by years two and three. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) gives these numbers real weight.

For families realistic about media careers—understanding they start at the bottom and require hustle—this program delivers legitimate preparation with reasonable debt. The earnings growth suggests Ithaca's industry connections and hands-on training actually translate to career progression, not just first jobs. Parents should verify their child has the drive for this competitive field, but the numbers support Ithaca as a credible path forward.