Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Bachelor's Degree) at Purdue University Global

Median Earnings (1yr)

$48,015

95th percentile

80th percentile in Indiana

Median Debt

$46,125

90% above national median

Analysis

Purdue Global's program charges nearly double the typical debt load for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication degrees, but the earnings justify the investment. At $48,015, graduates earn 60% more than the national median and outpace every other Indiana program by significant margins. Even the second-best in-state option (University of Southern Indiana at $34,685) falls $13,000 short. This ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th within Indiana isn't just noise—it reflects genuine market value.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.96 means graduates can theoretically pay off loans in under a year if they prioritize it, which is exceptional for a field that typically sees lower starting salaries. The $46,125 debt burden sits at the higher end but remains manageable given the income trajectory. For context, the typical program in this field carries $24,250 in debt but only delivers $29,976 in earnings—leaving graduates with similar relative burdens but far less absolute earning power.

The nearly 50% Pell Grant population suggests this program successfully serves students who need strong outcomes to justify college costs. If your child is serious about a media career and comparing Indiana options, Purdue Global's track record of placing graduates into higher-paying positions makes the debt premium worthwhile.

Where Purdue University Global Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Purdue University Global graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (18 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette	$10,110	$48,015	—	$46,125	0.96
University of Southern IndianaEvansville	$10,136	$34,685	$31,115	—	—
Ball State UniversityMuncie	$10,758	$32,118	$40,496	$23,443	0.73
Indiana University-South BendSouth Bend	$8,179	$30,190	—	$22,625	0.75
Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis	$10,449	$28,508	$45,940	$22,959	0.81
National Median	—	$29,976	—	$24,250	0.81

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 Purdue University Global, approximately 48% 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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.