Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Troy University

Troy University's radio and television program lands near national averages but slightly trails other Alabama options—graduates earn around $30,000 initially, climbing to nearly $34,000 by year four. While that 13% earnings growth is encouraging, the program ranks in the 40th percentile among Alabama's four schools offering this degree. For context, University of Alabama grads in the same field start about $2,000 higher. The $26,000 in typical debt is manageable relative to first-year earnings, though media careers often require hustle in those early years to build your portfolio and advance.

The caveat here matters: we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so one person's unusual outcome could skew these numbers significantly. That said, the broader pattern—modest starting pay that grows steadily—reflects what many media careers look like regardless of school. Troy's 93% admission rate and accessible price point (serving 42% Pell-eligible students) suggest this could work for families prioritizing affordability over prestige.

If your child is passionate about broadcast or digital media and wants to stay in Alabama, this program won't close doors, but it won't necessarily open more than the state's flagship either. The real differentiator in this field will be their internships, content portfolio, and networking—not the name on the diploma.