Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,215/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #101 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 $478K $480K $452K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 9.1x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 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)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,872
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,750
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,148
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,215 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 9.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% 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 $22,750 against $28,215/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #101 ranking among 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs places University of Kentucky in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 49% earnings increase from $28,215 to $42,148 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 23,189 students enrolled in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

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 University of Kentucky

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 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at University of Kentucky?
At 32/100, 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 University of Kentucky?
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 →