Audio & Video Technology at SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,687/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (20,800 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 14 Audiovisual Communications Technologies programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

While the earnings data may seem modest, it reflects the realities of Buffalo’s media market. Unlike programs in NYC or LA, your first jobs are more likely to be with local news affiliates like WGRZ, corporate A/V departments, or regional event production companies rather than major film studios. This is a hands-on, technical degree where your career path is built through a portfolio of practical skills—running a soundboard for a live event, editing a corporate training video, or operating a camera for a local broadcast. The high AI risk score highlights a critical industry shift; technical proficiency alone isn't enough. To future-proof your career, you must focus on developing strong creative judgment and client management skills, as these human elements are much harder to automate. Your key task is to aggressively build a professional network and a diverse portfolio before you graduate.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Audio & Video Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $454K $459K $437K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.4x 13.5x 12.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 6.1x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,944
Out-of-state: $75,624 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,916
-68% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,375
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,576
52% growth from Year 1

About SUNY Buffalo State University

SUNY Buffalo State University has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 5,358 in Buffalo, NY. 53% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY Buffalo State University →

Top Career Paths

Film and video editors $70,980/yr
Camera operators, television, video, and film $68,810/yr
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners $67,310/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Audio & Video Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at SUNY Buffalo State 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 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Audio & Video Technology at SUNY Buffalo State University?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Audio & Video Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Audio & Video Technology at SUNY Buffalo State University?
The 50% 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 →