Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,057/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk
High (48% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)
ROI
8.8x earnings multiple
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 | $460K | $464K | $440K |
| Earnings Multiple | 8.7x | 8.8x | 8.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 42% | 32% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 29 | 28 | 26 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$52,976
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,747
11.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,390
53% growth from Year 1
About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
A 90% acceptance rate means Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 8,116 students in Carbondale, IL.
See all programs and financial aid at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Web and digital interface designers
$98,090/yr
Producers and directors
$83,480/yr
Compare & Explore
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Other Schools
Other Majors at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
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 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
At 28/100, 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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale a good choice for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Southern Illinois University-Carbondale'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 →