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Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,125/yr (-39% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)
ROI 22.0x earnings multiple (11.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #111 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 $387K $399K $391K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.3x 22.0x 21.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.3x 11.7x 11.5x
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)
$18,128
Out-of-state: $34,128 (11.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,316
-178% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
15.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$25,455
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $19,125/yr fall 39% below the $31,253 national median for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 22.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #111 ranking among 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs places Western Carolina University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 33% earnings increase from $19,125 to $25,455 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 9,867 students in Cullowhee, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Carolina 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

Compare this program → View all 140 schools offering Radio, Television, and Digital Communication →

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Other Schools

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($76,507) Rochester Institute of Technology ($71,549) Miami University-Hamilton ($50,938) Miami University-Middletown ($50,938) Miami University-Oxford ($50,938) Purdue University Global ($48,015) New York University ($47,666) Fordham University ($45,931)

Other Majors at Western Carolina University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($69,067) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($68,774) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($67,003) Construction Engineering Technologies ($63,401) Engineering, General ($62,244) Engineering Technology, General ($59,813) Public Administration ($56,445) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($53,398)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Radio, Television, and Digital Communication trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Western Carolina 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 Western Carolina University?
At $25,000 in median debt, graduates carry 16 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 Western Carolina 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 Western Carolina University a good choice for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Western Carolina 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 →