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Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

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)

Ranked #92 of 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs

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)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,688

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,125

12.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,705

94% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,578 place Northern Arizona University below the $31,253 national median for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 10.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Radio, Television, and Digital Communication career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #92 ranking among 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs places Northern Arizona University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,578-to-$47,705 earnings arc over five years reflects a 94% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

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 →