Broadcasting & Digital Media at Illinois Media School

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

a smaller institution with 36 students in Chicago, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $18,740 place Illinois Media School below the $23,947 national median for Broadcasting & Digital Media — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 48% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Broadcasting & Digital Media graduates.

Median debt of $9,500 represents roughly 6 months of the $18,740 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

At #8 of 16 Broadcasting & Digital Media programs, Illinois Media School scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $31,890 show a 70% jump from the $18,740 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

Broadcasting & Digital Media offers 6 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

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

See the full career breakdown for Broadcasting & Digital Media — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Illinois Media School and 15 other schools.

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

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Illinois Media School's Broadcasting & Digital Media program score?
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?
AI exposure of 48% is a real factor. For Illinois Media School specifically, the gap between optimistic ($328,862) and pessimistic ($196,063) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Is Illinois Media School 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.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Broadcasting & Digital Media graduates?
There are 6 registered apprenticeships connected to Broadcasting & Digital Media occupations, such as Digital Video Editor (Existing Title: Film Or Video Tape Editor) and Director, Television. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Broadcasting & Digital Media workers?
Job availability for Broadcasting & Digital Media is strong — 144,300 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Illinois Media School graduates specifically, local market conditions in IL may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →