Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Austin Community College District
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 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication 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 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication 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 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The 6 apprenticeship pathways connected to Radio, Television, and Digital Communication reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication 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% |
About Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Careers
You’ll likely start your career getting hands-on experience, either on a fast-paced production set or behind a screen. As a production assistant or junior editor, you’ll be in the trenches—wrangling equipment, logging footage, and making rough cuts in software like Adobe Premiere. Or you might begin as a junior web designer, using tools like Figma to build wireframes and prototypes for websites and apps.
Read the full Radio, Television, and Digital Communication career guide →
Compare & Explore
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Overview
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication 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.