Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Montclair State University

The standout feature here is the earnings trajectory: graduates who start at under $30,000 typically reach $56,700 by year four—nearly doubling their income. That 91% growth rate is exceptional and suggests this program builds skills that translate into better opportunities as graduates establish themselves in media markets. Among New Jersey's nine programs in this field, Montclair ranks solidly at the 60th percentile, sitting right at the state median while carrying slightly less debt than average.

The debt picture is reasonable for a media program. At $25,425, it's roughly in line with what graduates borrow nationally for this degree, and the year-one earnings—while modest—cover the debt well enough. The real question is whether families can manage that first year or two when earnings are typical entry-level media wages. By year four, when graduates have shifted into better roles or markets, the financial picture looks considerably stronger.

For a family evaluating this program, the key insight is timing: if your student can weather lean early years (perhaps living at home or having parental support), the four-year outlook is genuinely promising. The 44% Pell grant population suggests Montclair serves students without deep financial cushions, yet the debt load remains manageable. This isn't a guaranteed path to high earnings, but the growth pattern indicates graduates who persist in the field typically see meaningful salary progression—a better outcome than many communications programs deliver.