Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings
$24,578/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)
ROI
10.5x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
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 | $534K | $529K | $490K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.5x | 10.5x | 9.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.6x | 4.6x | 4.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 42% | 32% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 33 | 33 | 31 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,608
Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,125
12.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,705
94% growth from Year 1
About Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 23,041 students in Flagstaff, AZ.
See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona University →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Web and digital interface designers
$98,090/yr
Producers and directors
$83,480/yr
Compare & Explore
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Other Schools
Other Majors at Northern Arizona 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 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Northern Arizona University?
At 33/100, 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 Northern Arizona University?
At $25,125 in median debt, graduates carry 12 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 Northern Arizona 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 Northern Arizona University a good choice for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Northern Arizona 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 →