Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at San Diego State University

San Diego State's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication program starts its graduates at just $22,487—roughly $3,000 below the California median and $7,500 below the national average. That first-year figure ranks in the bottom 5% nationally, which is concerning for a program at a selective public university. Even within California's media education landscape, where starting salaries tend to run lower than the national average, SDSU graduates trail behind most competitors, including sister CSU schools like Northridge and San Francisco State.

The silver lining is trajectory: earnings jump 59% to $35,695 by year four, eventually surpassing both state and national medians. The relatively modest debt load of $15,248—matching California's median and well below the $24,250 national figure—keeps this program from being a complete financial risk. Still, that first year earning barely above minimum wage in expensive San Diego is a real hardship, even with manageable debt payments.

For families considering this program, the question is whether your student can weather those first few lean years. The strong earnings growth suggests that SDSU grads eventually find their footing in media careers, but they're starting from further behind than peers at nearby Cal State campuses. If your child has family support or savings to supplement that first year or two, the program becomes more viable. Without that cushion, the initial earnings gap makes this a financially risky choice compared to other California options.