Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,753/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)
ROI 20.9x earnings multiple (8.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #11 of 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs Top 10%

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 $639K $622K $560K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.5x 20.9x 18.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.3x 8.1x 7.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,696
Out-of-state: $77,216 (8.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,528
-74% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,463
117% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,753/yr, Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates from San Francisco State University land near the $31,253 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 20.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% 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 $17,500 against $28,753/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #11 of 140 programs, this Radio, Television, and Digital Communication program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $28,753-to-$62,463 earnings arc over five years reflects a 117% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About San Francisco State University

With 96% of applicants admitted, San Francisco State University prioritizes broad access, with 20,033 students enrolled in San Francisco, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at San Francisco State 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

Compare Radio, Television, and Digital Communication

Other Majors at San Francisco State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at San Francisco State University?
At 50/100, San Francisco State University's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at San Francisco State 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →