Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Bradley University

Bradley's radio and broadcasting program significantly outperforms most competitors in Illinois, with graduates earning $37,415 four years out—nearly $11,000 more than the state median for this field. That's crucial context in a state where many similar programs struggle to break $27,000. While the small graduating class (under 30 students) means individual outcomes could vary more than at larger programs, the earnings trajectory shows consistent growth rather than the stagnation common in media careers.

The $27,000 debt load sits near the national average for this major but translates to a manageable 0.82 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates owe less than one year's starting salary. In media fields where many programs saddle students with debt that exceeds their first-year earnings, this represents relatively responsible financial positioning. The 14% earnings bump from year one to year four suggests graduates are finding their footing rather than hitting an early ceiling.

The real question is whether your child is committed to broadcasting specifically. This program delivers solid value within its field, ranking in the 68th percentile nationally, but media careers generally start lower than many college graduates expect. If they're passionate about the industry and realistic about entry-level salaries, Bradley provides better preparation than most Illinois alternatives without excessive debt. The small program size could mean more faculty attention, though it also means less data certainty about typical outcomes.