Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at University of Central Missouri

At first glance, University of Central Missouri's media program looks concerning—graduates earn just $28,146 their first year, slightly below both the national and Missouri medians. But here's what makes this program worth a second look: earnings jump 33% by year four to $37,433, outpacing the typical trajectory for this field. That year-four figure puts graduates well ahead of where most media programs land, and the debt load of $27,125 is actually among the lowest nationally (5th percentile) despite being average for Missouri schools.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.96 means your child would owe roughly what they earn in their first year—manageable if they can weather that initial period of lower pay. Media careers often start with internships, freelance work, or entry-level positions that don't reflect long-term earning potential. The fact that this program's graduates see substantial income growth suggests they're building real skills and connections that pay off over time.

The real question is whether your family can support them through that first year or two when earnings are modest. If so, this program offers a relatively affordable entry point into media careers with clearer upward momentum than most alternatives. Just be realistic about those early-career salaries—they're typical for the field, not a failure of the program.