Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at The University of Alabama

Alabama's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication program starts graduates at $31,911—noticeably above both the national median ($29,976) and most Alabama peers—but the real story emerges over time. By year four, earnings jump 39% to $44,365, suggesting graduates are successfully climbing into more senior production, digital marketing, or broadcast roles rather than staying stuck in entry-level positions common to this field.

The debt picture looks manageable at $24,823, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 that beats many communications programs nationally. Among Alabama's limited field of four schools offering this major, Alabama lands solidly in the 60th percentile for earnings while keeping debt nearly identical to the state median. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) means these aren't fluky numbers—this reflects consistent outcomes.

For families worried about the "starving artist" narrative around media careers, this program offers evidence that Alabama's career network and reputation in Southern media markets translate to actual job opportunities. Graduates aren't getting rich immediately, but they're earning slightly above typical communications majors from day one and showing meaningful career progression. If your child is committed to media work, these outcomes suggest Alabama provides a realistic path forward, particularly if they're strategic about internships and networking in Birmingham, Atlanta, or Nashville markets where the school's alumni connections run deep.