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Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,808/yr (5% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #67 of 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$437K	$444K	$425K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.9x	12.1x	11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.1x	4.1x	4.0x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	42%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	40	39	36

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$36,768

Out-of-state: $107,084 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,860

-60% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,250

7.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,808 track close to the $31,253 national median for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 12.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Radio, Television, and Digital Communication career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,250 against $32,808/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #67 ranking among 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs places Central Washington University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Central Washington University

Central Washington University has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 8,081 students in Ellensburg, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Web and digital interface designers $98,090/yr

Producers and directors $83,480/yr

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Washington University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Central Washington University?

At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Central Washington University?

The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →