Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,526/yr (-34% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.4x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #120 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 $546K $540K $498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.6x 9.4x 8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$57,188
Out-of-state: $121,676 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,092
-3% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,500
17.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,365
126% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Wayne State University's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates start at $20,526/yr, trailing the $31,253 national average by 34%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 9.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 9% 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 1.5x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #120 ranking among 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs places Wayne State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,526-to-$46,365 earnings arc over five years reflects a 126% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Wayne State University

A 82% acceptance rate means Wayne State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 15,676 students in Detroit, MI. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Wayne 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 Wayne State 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 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Wayne State University?
At 29/100, 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 Wayne State University?
At $30,500 in median debt, graduates carry 18 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 Wayne 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 Wayne State University a good choice for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Wayne 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 →