# ASU's $60K 'Content Creation' Degree: Worth the Investment? Arizona State University enters the creator economy with its new bachelor's program in content creation. - **Source:** [The College Investor](https://brifing.si/source/d431d77d-492e-4105-be7c-2525bbb643ab) - **Published:** 2026-09-02 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9f83f74c-de3f-4e59-b582-04fb2db10769 ## Details of the New Degree Program Arizona State University (ASU) has launched a Bachelor of Arts in Content Creation through its Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. The program covers video and podcast production, audience analytics, brand voice, and copyright. Students will gain hands-on experience at a Los Angeles content studio and work on brand projects. The degree is available at ASU's Phoenix campus, online, and through ASU Local. ## The 'Influencer Degree' Controversy The program's announcement sparked criticism labeling it an 'influencer degree.' According to Associated Press, the curriculum largely overlaps with ASU's existing mass communication degree, differing mainly in specialized electives like podcasting and studio production. ASU isn't pioneering this field—St. Bonaventure, Syracuse, and Colorado State already offer similar programs. ## Growth of the Creator Economy Emarketer predicts U.S. social media creator revenue will exceed $20 billion this year. However, most earnings don't reach individual creators, with brand sponsorships driving income rather than platform payouts. While content creation can be a viable career, the field is oversaturated, and early earnings are typically low. ## Cost Analysis ASU's in-state tuition is about $12,000 annually, with total costs reaching $37,000 before scholarships. Out-of-state students face $35,000 tuition and nearly $60,000 total annual costs. These figures are steep considering rising college expenses and content creation's lack of a defined career path. ## Opportunities for International Students The program is STEM-OPT eligible, allowing F-1 visa holders a 24-month work extension post-graduation—but only for on-campus students. Online learners are excluded. The program currently isn't approved for GI Bill benefits. ## Career Prospects and Accelerated Option ASU lists potential career paths including brand storytelling, podcasting, and digital marketing. An accelerated option lets students earn a master's in about five years. Notably, most successful creators today never received formal training in content creation. ## Universities' Demographic Challenges Colleges face a 'demographic cliff' with declining enrollments. Many institutions risk closure or merger by 2026, with even large schools like Syracuse missing targets. New programs like this serve as recruitment tools amid these challenges. ## The Degree's Future and Alternatives The program's success will be measured by graduates' earnings. Skills like audience analytics transfer to marketing jobs. However, today's top creators mostly learned independently without formal education. The program's GI Bill approval status remains another key watchpoint. ## Sources covering this story - https://thecollegeinvestor.com/87596/asus-new-influencer-degree-costs-up-to-60000/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._