Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,751
41st percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$27,000
11% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.94
Manageable
Sample Size
30
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Valley Forge graduates start below the national median at $28,751, but by year four they've climbed to $36,790—a 28% earnings jump that outpaces most communication programs. More importantly, this puts them in the 60th percentile among Pennsylvania schools, well ahead of the state's $26,030 median and programs at Kutztown and Point Park. With debt at just $27,000 (5th percentile nationally), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.94 is manageable, especially given the trajectory.

The catch is that first year: $28,751 won't cover much beyond basic expenses, which could make loan payments tight initially. But the earning pattern here—steady growth rather than stagnation—suggests graduates are building marketable skills and advancing in their careers. Half of students receive Pell grants, meaning this program serves students who need career mobility, and the debt load doesn't compound that challenge.

For an anxious parent, the question is whether your child can weather that first year financially. If they can manage modest payments or defer initially, this program delivers better-than-average Pennsylvania outcomes at a below-average debt burden. That's a reasonable bet for a field where experience often matters more than starting salary.

Where University of Valley Forge Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors's programs nationally

University of Valley ForgeOther radio, television, and digital communication programs

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 Valley Forge graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Valley Forge graduates earn $29k, placing them in the 41th 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 Pennsylvania

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (29 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Valley Forge$28,751$36,790$27,0000.94
Lebanon Valley College$45,286$57,115$27,0000.60
Temple University$29,112$45,329$26,0000.89
Lincoln University$23,309—$27,0001.16
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania$22,057$37,394$27,0001.22
Point Park University$17,479$39,930$27,0001.54
National Median$29,976—$24,2500.81

Other Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Lebanon Valley College
Annville
$50,320$45,286$27,000
Temple University
Philadelphia
$22,082$29,112$26,000
Lincoln University
Lincoln University
$12,512$23,309$27,000
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown
$11,230$22,057$27,000
Point Park University
Pittsburgh
$38,160$17,479$27,000

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 Valley Forge, approximately 51% 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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.