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

UNT's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication program starts rough but gains momentum—graduates earn just $26,773 in their first year out, falling below both the Texas median ($31,762) and the national average. Among Texas programs, this ranks in the bottom quartile (25th percentile), and the gap with top in-state options is stark: UT Arlington graduates earn $43,000 right away, nearly 60% more. While the $19,500 in debt is manageable compared to many programs, that first-year salary makes even moderate debt feel heavy.

The 33% earnings jump to $35,619 by year four shows real career progression, which matters in media careers where entry positions often underpay while professionals build portfolios and connections. However, even after four years, graduates remain below what top Texas programs deliver immediately. The reality is that this program appears to prepare students for lower-tier media markets or production roles rather than major market positions.

For an anxious parent, this comes down to whether your child can weather several lean years building experience. If they're entering with significant financial cushion or can live at home initially, the career trajectory is promising. But if they need immediate earning power to justify the investment, the stronger in-state alternatives at UT Arlington or Texas A&M deliver substantially better starting positions for similar tuition costs at public universities.