Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at University of Connecticut-Avery Point
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UConn-Avery Point's digital communication program starts graduates at a modest $33,788—barely above the national median—but then delivers a 63% earnings jump by year four, reaching nearly $55,000. That trajectory matters more than the cautious beginning. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile within Connecticut (tied with other UConn campuses), it outperforms three-quarters of similar programs nationally. The debt load of $23,375 is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio below 0.7 that looks sustainable even in the lean first year.
The real story here is momentum. Many media and communication programs see graduates plateau early as they compete for limited production and broadcast roles. This program's graduates appear to be transitioning successfully into digital roles that pay better as experience accumulates. Starting at $33,788 in a creative field isn't glamorous, but it's not catastrophic either—especially at a regional UConn campus with an 87% admission rate serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients.
For families willing to weather a modest first year, this program offers a legitimate path into media careers without crushing debt. The earnings growth suggests graduates are developing marketable skills that translate to better opportunities. Just understand you're investing in a four-year arc, not immediate returns.
Where University of Connecticut-Avery Point Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors's programs nationally
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 University of Connecticut-Avery Point graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Connecticut-Avery Point graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 75th 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 Connecticut
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (10 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $33,788 | $54,935 | $23,375 | 0.69 |
| University of Connecticut | $33,788 | $54,935 | $23,375 | 0.69 |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $33,788 | $54,935 | $23,375 | 0.69 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $33,788 | $54,935 | $23,375 | 0.69 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $33,788 | $54,935 | $23,375 | 0.69 |
| Western Connecticut State University | $30,582 | $39,126 | $25,000 | 0.82 |
| National Median | $29,976 | — | $24,250 | 0.81 |
Other Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs in Connecticut
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut Storrs | $20,366 | $33,788 | $23,375 |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury | $17,462 | $33,788 | $23,375 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford | $17,472 | $33,788 | $23,375 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford | $17,452 | $33,788 | $23,375 |
| Western Connecticut State University Danbury | $12,763 | $30,582 | $25,000 |
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 University of Connecticut-Avery Point, approximately 34% 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 94 graduates with reported earnings and 94 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.