Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
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
Ranked #124 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 $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
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,708
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,747
11.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,390
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates start at $25,057/yr, trailing the $31,253 national average by 20%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 8.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 4% 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 $23,747 against $25,057/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #124 ranking among 140 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs places Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,057-to-$38,390 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Other Schools

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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 →