Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,643/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)
ROI 8.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #93 of 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs

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 $415K $424K $410K
Earnings Multiple 8.1x 8.3x 8.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$51,016
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,532
21% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,750
13.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,643 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.

A 8.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 1% 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 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 #93 ranking among 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs places Chicago State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Chicago State University

With a 41% acceptance rate, Chicago State University is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 1,414 students in Chicago, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 55% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Chicago State 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 Chicago State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Chicago State University?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Radio, Television, and Digital Communication degree from Chicago State University?
At $31,750 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Chicago State 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 →