Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,894/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)
ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #108 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 $524K $520K $483K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 8.9x 8.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.3x 6.2x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,512
Out-of-state: $83,280 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,384
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
13.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,682
88% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $24,894 per year, Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates from Grand Valley State University earn below the $31,253 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 8.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% 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 #108 ranking among 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs places Grand Valley State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,894-to-$46,682 earnings arc over five years reflects a 88% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Grand Valley State University

With 95% of applicants admitted, Grand Valley State University prioritizes broad access, serving 19,073 students in Allendale, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Grand Valley 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 Grand Valley State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Grand Valley State University?
At 31/100, 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 Grand Valley State University?
At $27,000 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 Grand Valley 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.
Is Grand Valley State University a good choice for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Grand Valley State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →