Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (79 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Alfred University$44,104
Cornell University$62,182$80,616$14,4180.23
CUNY Graduate School and University Center$57,782$14,1250.24
Hobart William Smith Colleges$50,750$52,131$27,0000.53
Fordham University$46,405$62,162$25,7000.55
Manhattan University$44,016$59,580$26,0000.59
National Median$34,959$25,0000.72

Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Cornell University
Ithaca
$66,014$62,182$14,418
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
New York
$7,410$57,782$14,125
Hobart William Smith Colleges
Geneva
$63,268$50,750$27,000
Fordham University
Bronx
$61,992$46,405$25,700
Manhattan University
Riverdale
$50,850$44,016$26,000

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Alfred University, approximately 39% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.