Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, CT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,582/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (8.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #60 of 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs Top 50%

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 $529K $525K $487K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.3x 9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.2x 8.2x 7.6x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 42% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,052
Out-of-state: $64,380 (8.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,468
-46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
9.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,247
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $30,582/yr, roughly in line with the $31,253 national median for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 10.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $25,000 against $30,582/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #60 ranking among 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs places Western Connecticut State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $30,582-to-$50,247 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Connecticut State University

Western Connecticut State University accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 3,434 students in Danbury, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Connecticut 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 Western Connecticut 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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Western Connecticut State University?
At 39/100, 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 Western Connecticut 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →