Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Kennesaw State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Kennesaw State's media program sits right in the middle of Georgia's offerings—matching the state median for earnings at $32,000 while carrying slightly above-average debt. The 63rd percentile national ranking suggests graduates here earn more than most peers across the country, though it's worth noting the field's ceiling: even SCAD, the second-best program in Georgia, only gets graduates to $40,000 after a year. The bigger story is what happens after that first year, which these numbers don't capture in a notoriously freelance-heavy industry.
The debt picture is actually more favorable than it appears. That $27,683 burden ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of comparable programs saddle students with more debt. With a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, graduates owe less than they'll earn in their first year, which is manageable. Georgia Tech's dramatically higher earnings ($76,500) reflect that program's technical focus on broadcast engineering rather than content production—it's a different career path entirely.
For students committed to media careers, this represents a solid in-state option that won't bury them in debt. The first-year earnings are typical for the field, and Kennesaw keeps borrowing relatively contained. Just recognize that breaking into radio, television, or digital media often means accepting lean early years regardless of where you graduate—the question is whether you're willing to navigate that reality with reasonable debt rather than crippling it.
Where Kennesaw State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Kennesaw State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Kennesaw State University graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | $31,994 | — | $27,683 | 0.87 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | $76,507 | $77,892 | $28,350 | 0.37 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | $40,139 | $56,232 | $27,000 | 0.67 |
| University of Georgia | $32,556 | $51,806 | $25,000 | 0.77 |
| Georgia Southern University | $24,934 | $31,906 | $28,000 | 1.12 |
| Clark Atlanta University | $21,413 | $34,218 | $28,500 | 1.33 |
| National Median | $29,976 | — | $24,250 | 0.81 |
Other Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta | $11,764 | $76,507 | $28,350 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah | $40,595 | $40,139 | $27,000 |
| University of Georgia Athens | $11,180 | $32,556 | $25,000 |
| Georgia Southern University Statesboro | $5,905 | $24,934 | $28,000 |
| Clark Atlanta University Atlanta | $26,446 | $21,413 | $28,500 |
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 Kennesaw State 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 139 graduates with reported earnings and 136 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.