Broadcasting & Digital Media at Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus

Chicago, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Radio, Television, and Digital Communication

a smaller institution with 48 students in Chicago, IL.

Program Analysis

At $18,740 per year, Broadcasting & Digital Media graduates from Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus earn below the $23,947 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Career paths for Broadcasting & Digital Media carry above-average AI exposure (48% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $9,500 against $18,740/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #11 ranking among 16 Broadcasting & Digital Media programs places Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $18,740-to-$31,890 earnings arc over five years reflects a 70% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 6 apprenticeship pathways connected to Broadcasting & Digital Media reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

40 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
35
Low End
40
Score
43
High End
Earnings $18,740/yr (-22% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (52% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (144,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$329K
12.0% annual growth
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,890
70% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Broadcasting & Digital Media graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Managers, all other $136,550 +4.5% 53%
Web and digital interface designers $98,090 +7.0% 33%
Producers and directors $83,480 +4.9% 58%
Managers, all other
$136,550
+4.5% growth 53% AI-proof
Web and digital interface designers
$98,090
+7.0% growth 33% AI-proof
Producers and directors
$83,480
+4.9% growth 58% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Broadcasting & Digital Media Career Guide

What can you do with a Broadcasting & Digital Media credential from Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Broadcasting & Digital Media career guide →

Compare & Explore

Broadcasting & Digital Media Overview

Broadcasting & Digital Media at Other Schools

Other Majors at Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Broadcasting & Digital Media at Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Broadcasting & Digital Media programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Will AI affect Broadcasting & Digital Media careers?
Our scenarios model 48% of Broadcasting & Digital Media tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus's 40/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Is Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus a good choice for Broadcasting & Digital Media despite lower starting pay?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Broadcasting & Digital Media program at Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus?
Yes — 6 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Broadcasting & Digital Media career paths, including Digital Video Editor (Existing Title: Film Or Video Tape Editor). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus.
Is there demand for Broadcasting & Digital Media workers?
At 144,300 annual openings, Broadcasting & Digital Media has a very large employment base. Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →