Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at University of North Georgia

A $21,149 starting salary with nearly $22,000 in debt represents one of the weakest outcomes for media programs nationwide. This program ranks in the 5th percentile nationally and 10th percentile among Georgia schools—meaning 90-95% of comparable programs produce better earnings. The gap is substantial: graduates here earn about $11,000 less than the Georgia median for this degree and $9,000 below the national benchmark. Even within a field known for modest starting salaries, these numbers stand out poorly.

The comparison to other Georgia programs is telling. Georgia Tech's communication grads earn $76,000, while even regional competitor Georgia Southern produces median earnings of $25,000—still 18% higher than UNG. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.03 means graduates owe roughly their entire first year's salary, making standard loan repayment challenging on what amounts to less than full-time minimum wage earnings.

For families considering this program, the financial risk is clear. Your child would likely be better served by the same major at nearly any other Georgia institution, or by exploring different programs at UNG itself. If media careers are the goal, starting at a more affordable community college while building a portfolio, then transferring to a stronger program, would preserve both money and career prospects.