Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other.: The DTI for this program is 74.6%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $30252) to the average debt ($22565) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 74.6%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($30252) against the typical student debt ($22565), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
If you’re thinking about Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. Typical starting salaries are around $30252, with grads carrying about $22565 in student loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 0.75—which is manageable for most.
Each year, over 18257 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other (CIP 09.0799) is a specialized field that addresses the evolving landscape of electronic media. While traditional programs might focus strictly on broadcast news or radio production, this "Other" category encompasses interdisciplinary studies in streaming media architecture, podcasting networks, esports broadcasting, and immersive media environments. It is designed for those who want to master the technical and creative aspects of how we consume content in the 21st century.
This field is ideal for "modern broadcasters"—individuals who are as comfortable behind a mixing board as they are analyzing digital audience metrics. It is a path for creators who want to build the future of "on-demand" entertainment and information, ensuring that content is high-quality, accessible, and engaging across all digital platforms.
What Is a Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Other) Degree?
A Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Other) degree focuses on the production and distribution of content through electronic media. Because it falls into the "Other" category, these programs often specialize in niche areas like transmedia storytelling (telling one story across multiple platforms) or the management of over-the-top (OTT) streaming services like Netflix or Twitch. This major blends traditional performance skills with the technical mastery required to navigate a landscape where every user is also a potential broadcaster.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train students in the production of high-fidelity audio and video for digital-first audiences
- Explore the business models of subscription-based and ad-supported digital media
- Develop experts in "Live Digital Events," from virtual concerts to global gaming tournaments
- Address the legal and ethical challenges of digital distribution, such as net neutrality and media ownership
What Will You Learn?
Students learn to manage the entire "production-to-distribution" pipeline, focusing on how technology changes the way stories are told.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master non-linear editing for video and multi-track audio production
- Design and execute "streaming workflows" to broadcast content to thousands of viewers simultaneously
- Create "interactive" media content that allows the audience to participate in the story
- Analyze audience data to determine which types of content perform best on specific platforms
- Manage the technical logistics of a digital studio, including lighting, sound, and networking
- Develop a "personal brand" or "on-air presence" suitable for modern digital platforms
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is often a mix of creative studio work and media theory:
- Podcasting and Audio Storytelling: The art of long-form, audio-only communication.
- Esports Production: The specialized technical needs of broadcasting live competitive gaming.
- Digital Media Analytics: Using data to track "watch time," "churn," and "engagement."
- Social Media Video Strategy: Creating short-form content for platforms like TikTok or Reels.
- Media Law and Digital Rights: Navigating the rules of the internet and intellectual property.
- Virtual Production: Using game engines like Unreal Engine for film and television backgrounds.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles in the rapidly expanding world of digital-first media and traditional broadcast outlets undergoing digital transformation.
Common job roles include:
- Digital Content Producer: Overseeing the creation of video and audio for web platforms.
- Podcast Producer/Engineer: Managing the technical and editorial side of audio shows.
- Streaming Operations Manager: Ensuring the technical reliability of live digital broadcasts.
- Social Media Content Manager: Developing the visual voice for a major media brand.
- Media Distribution Specialist: Managing how content is "packaged" for different streaming apps.
- On-Air Talent/Influencer: Hosting digital shows or managing a large-scale personal brand.
Where Can You Work?
Opportunities exist anywhere that produces digital video or audio content:
- Streaming Services: Companies like Hulu, YouTube, or Spotify.
- Major Media Networks: In the digital divisions of companies like ESPN, NBC, or CNN.
- Esports Organizations: Producing live tournament broadcasts and player content.
- Advertising Agencies: Creating high-end video ads for social media.
- Corporate Media Departments: Producing internal training and external marketing videos for large brands.
- Independent Studios: Working at "boutique" production houses or starting your own media business.
How Much Can You Earn?
Salaries in this field vary based on your technical skill and the size of your platform or employer.
- Digital Producers: Median annual salary of approximately $60,000–$85,000.
- Audio Engineers: Median annual salary of around $55,000–$75,000.
- Social Media Managers: Salaries typically range from $50,000 to $90,000.
- Media Directors: In large media hubs, salaries can exceed $120,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty lies in the constant pace of change. You must be a "lifelong student" of technology, as the software you use today may be obsolete in three years. It also requires a high degree of creative stamina—you are often expected to produce high volumes of content on very tight deadlines. Success requires a mix of technical troubleshooting and artistic flair.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Already have a YouTube channel, a Twitch stream, or a podcast
- Love the "magic" of media and want to know how it’s made behind the scenes
- Enjoy "puzzling" through technical setups like lighting and sound rigs
- Are comfortable being both "the artist" and "the technician"
- Want a career that is at the center of how people spend their leisure time
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Video Production, Computer Science, and English/Speech
- Join your school's "Broadcast Club" or morning announcement team
- Experiment with free or low-cost editing software (like DaVinci Resolve or Audacity)
- Follow "Media Insiders" on social media to learn about industry trends
- Volunteer to record or live-stream school sports and events
The ability to tell a compelling story while mastering the digital tools that deliver it is the key to success in the modern media landscape.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor