Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Clark Atlanta University

Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,413/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #135 of 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs

Program Analysis

While Atlanta is a major media hub, often called the "Hollywood of the South," this program's outcomes reflect the intense competition for creative roles. You’ll be graduating into a market saturated with talent from schools like SCAD and Georgia State, all vying for the same entry-level production assistant and digital content jobs. The reality for many is a "gig economy" path—freelance projects and short-term contracts—that doesn't translate to a stable, high salary in your first few years. The high-paying director or manager roles listed are often a decade or more down the line, not typical starting points. To succeed here, you must aggressively build a professional-grade portfolio and network relentlessly for internships *before* you graduate; your degree alone won't be enough to stand out in this crowded field.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $496K $495K $464K
Earnings Multiple 4.7x 4.7x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$105,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$140,460
-33% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
15.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,243
93% growth from Year 1

About Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University's 65% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 3,482 in Atlanta, GA. Pell Grant recipients make up 69% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Clark Atlanta University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Web and digital interface designers $98,090/yr
Producers and directors $83,480/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Other Schools

Other Majors at Clark Atlanta University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Clark Atlanta University?
At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Radio, Television, and Digital Communication degree from Clark Atlanta University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Clark Atlanta University?
The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Clark Atlanta University a good choice for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Clark Atlanta University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →