Broadcasting & Digital Media at Austin Community College District

Austin, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Radio, Television, and Digital Communication

serving a student body of 25,969 in Austin, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,951 at Austin Community College District come in 13% above the national median of $23,947 for Broadcasting & Digital Media programs.

With a 55.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Broadcasting & Digital Media career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $26,951 far exceeding the $9,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Austin Community College District ranks #4 among 16 Broadcasting & Digital Media programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The 6 apprenticeship pathways connected to Broadcasting & Digital Media reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

51 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
51
Score
53
High End
Earnings $26,951/yr (13% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (52% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$282K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
55.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,100
Out-of-state: $21,180
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,250
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Broadcasting & Digital Media graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Managers, all other $136,550 +4.5% 53%
Web and digital interface designers $98,090 +7.0% 33%
Producers and directors $83,480 +4.9% 58%
Managers, all other
$136,550
+4.5% growth 53% AI-proof
Web and digital interface designers
$98,090
+7.0% growth 33% AI-proof
Producers and directors
$83,480
+4.9% growth 58% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Broadcasting & Digital Media Career Guide

Explore what Broadcasting & Digital Media graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 16 programs nationwide.

Read the full Broadcasting & Digital Media career guide →

Compare & Explore

Broadcasting & Digital Media Overview

Broadcasting & Digital Media at Other Schools

Other Majors at Austin Community College District

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Broadcasting & Digital Media at Austin Community College District?
At 51/100, Austin Community College District's Broadcasting & Digital Media program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Broadcasting & Digital Media at Austin Community College District?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $281,968 in decade earnings vs $281,968 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Austin Community College District's Broadcasting & Digital Media program stand out?
Among 16 Broadcasting & Digital Media programs, Austin Community College District's #4 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Are there apprenticeship options for Broadcasting & Digital Media?
There are 6 registered apprenticeships connected to Broadcasting & Digital Media occupations, such as Digital Video Editor (Existing Title: Film Or Video Tape Editor) and Director, Television. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Broadcasting & Digital Media workers?
With approximately 144,300 annual openings across mapped careers, Broadcasting & Digital Media offers a very large employment pool. Austin Community College District graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →