Audio & Video Technology at California College of ASU

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians

a compact campus enrolling 149 students in Los Angeles, CA.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $14,613/yr fall 34% below the $22,234 national median for Audio & Video Technology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 4.5x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

Career paths for Audio & Video Technology carry above-average AI exposure (50% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #25 ranking among 26 Audio & Video Technology programs places California College of ASU in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $14,613-to-$34,511 earnings arc over five years reflects a 136% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 10 apprenticeship pathways connected to Audio & Video Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

24 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
19
Low End
24
Score
27
High End
Earnings $14,613/yr (-34% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (50% shielded)
Job Market Medium (20,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$256K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
4.9x
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
$52,350
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,056
13.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,511
136% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Audio & Video Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Film and video editors $70,980 +4.0% 47%
Camera operators, television, video, and film $68,810 +1.2% 58%
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners $67,310 -0.3% 4%
Film and video editors
$70,980
+4.0% growth 47% AI-proof
Camera operators, television, video, and film
$68,810
+1.2% growth 58% AI-proof
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners
$67,310
-0.3% growth 4% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Audio & Video Technology Career Guide

What can you do with a Audio & Video Technology credential from California College of ASU? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Audio & Video Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Audio & Video Technology Overview

Audio & Video Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at California College of ASU

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Audio & Video Technology at California College of ASU?
At 24/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Audio & Video Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the AI risk for Audio & Video Technology graduates from California College of ASU?
AI won't eliminate Audio & Video Technology careers, but it may reshape them. At California College of ASU, a score of 24/100 already accounts for the 50% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Do California College of ASU Audio & Video Technology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Audio & Video Technology earnings lower at California College of ASU?
Lower starting pay at California College of ASU may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Audio & Video Technology through an apprenticeship instead of California College of ASU?
Yes — 10 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Audio & Video Technology career paths, including Audio Operator. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at California College of ASU.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →