Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,701
60th percentile
Median Debt
$22,750
13% below national median

Analysis

Rowan's audiovisual communications program starts graduates at $27,700—barely above the poverty line for a single adult—but shows impressive momentum with 34% earnings growth to $37,200 by year four. This trajectory outpaces most audiovisual tech programs nationally, placing Rowan in the 60th percentile despite the challenging first-year numbers. The $22,750 debt load, while below the national median for this field, still represents 82% of first-year earnings, meaning graduates face tight budgets early on while they build experience.

Here's the practical reality: audiovisual technology is a skills-based field where entry-level positions often pay modestly, but experience and technical proficiency command better compensation. The strong earnings growth suggests Rowan graduates are successfully moving into more specialized roles—video production, broadcast engineering, or corporate AV management—where their bachelor's degree differentiates them. With debt payments potentially consuming $250-300 monthly for ten years, the first few years will require careful budgeting or supplemental income.

This program makes sense for students genuinely passionate about production work who understand they're investing in career trajectory rather than immediate payoff. The earnings curve is moving in the right direction, but families should ensure their student can manage lean early years, possibly by living at home initially or securing higher-paying internships during school to minimize borrowing.

Where Rowan University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all audiovisual communications technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Rowan University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Rowan University$27,701$37,166+34%
Bowie State University$35,168$46,486+32%
American University$19,337$46,422+140%
New England Institute of Technology$37,101$43,846+18%
Columbia College Chicago$20,927$38,837+86%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rowan UniversityGlassboro$15,700$27,701$37,166$22,7500.82
New England Institute of TechnologyEast Greenwich$35,625$37,101$43,846$27,1700.73
Bowie State UniversityBowie$8,999$35,168$46,486$26,0000.74
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$34,043$33,875$22,4810.66
Full Sail UniversityWinter Park$26,417$30,014$29,220$43,0001.43
Husson UniversityBangor$22,194$29,736$32,894$27,0000.91
National Median—$26,194—$26,0000.99

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with audiovisual communications technologies/technicians graduates

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

$70,570/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

Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners

Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Includes stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.

$67,310/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Audio and Video Technicians

Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Broadcast Technicians

Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Lighting Technicians

Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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 Rowan University, approximately 31% 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 174 graduates with reported earnings and 173 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.