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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,700 | $27,701 | $37,166 | $22,750 | 0.82 | |
| $35,625 | $37,101 | $43,846 | $27,170 | 0.73 | |
| $8,999 | $35,168 | $46,486 | $26,000 | 0.74 | |
| $13,630 | $34,043 | $33,875 | $22,481 | 0.66 | |
| $26,417 | $30,014 | $29,220 | $43,000 | 1.43 | |
| $22,194 | $29,736 | $32,894 | $27,000 | 0.91 | |
| National Median | — | $26,194 | — | $26,000 | 0.99 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with audiovisual communications technologies/technicians graduates
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Film and Video Editors
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
Audio and Video Technicians
Broadcast Technicians
Sound Engineering Technicians
Lighting Technicians
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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.