Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

UW-Oshkosh's media program starts behind most Wisconsin schools—40th percentile in the state—but shows encouraging momentum with earnings jumping 33% by year four. That growth trajectory helps explain why graduates can reasonably manage the $24,637 debt load, with earnings climbing from $26,494 to $35,163. By four years out, these graduates nearly match what Marquette grads earn fresh out of school, though they're starting from a lower base.

The practical challenge is those first few years. Breaking into media typically means entry-level positions that don't pay much initially, and this program delivers exactly that reality. The debt burden isn't excessive—basically one year's starting salary—but it does mean budgeting carefully during that initial phase when rent and loan payments both hit at once. The positive sign is that earnings growth continues steadily, suggesting graduates find their footing in the industry rather than stalling out.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether your child can handle 2-3 years of tight finances while building their career. The numbers show this path works if they stick with it, but it's not the quick payoff some degrees offer. The alternative—Marquette at likely double the debt—doesn't deliver enough premium to justify the cost difference.