Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,112
44th percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$26,000
7% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.89
Manageable
Sample Size
334
Adequate data

Analysis

Temple's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication program stands out as a strong performer within Pennsylvania, ranking in the 60th percentile among state programs despite starting graduates at relatively modest salaries. While first-year earnings of $29,112 sit slightly below the national median, the program's 56% earnings growth over four years brings graduates to $45,329—well above both state and national benchmarks and matching the top program in Pennsylvania.

The debt picture offers genuine relief in a field often associated with financial struggle. At $26,000, graduates carry less debt than typical media programs both nationally and in Pennsylvania, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89. This means graduates can realistically handle their loan payments even during the lower-earning early career years that characterize media professions.

Temple delivers solid value for aspiring media professionals, particularly compared to in-state alternatives. The combination of reasonable debt, strong earnings trajectory, and above-average performance within Pennsylvania makes this program a sensible choice. Parents should feel confident that their investment positions graduates competitively in Pennsylvania's media market while avoiding the debt burdens that often plague communications majors elsewhere.

Where Temple University Stands

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

Temple UniversityOther radio, television, and digital communication programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Temple University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Temple University graduates earn $29k, placing them in the 44th percentile of all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (29 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Temple University$29,112$45,329$26,0000.89
Lebanon Valley College$45,286$57,115$27,0000.60
University of Valley Forge$28,751$36,790$27,0000.94
Lincoln University$23,309$27,0001.16
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania$22,057$37,394$27,0001.22
Point Park University$17,479$39,930$27,0001.54
National Median$29,976$24,2500.81

Other Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Lebanon Valley College
Annville
$50,320$45,286$27,000
University of Valley Forge
Phoenixville
$24,510$28,751$27,000
Lincoln University
Lincoln University
$12,512$23,309$27,000
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown
$11,230$22,057$27,000
Point Park University
Pittsburgh
$38,160$17,479$27,000

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 Temple University, approximately 30% 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 334 graduates with reported earnings and 346 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.