Communication and Media Studies at Cornell University

Cornell's Communication and Media Studies program delivers something rare: Ivy League outcomes in a field where most graduates struggle. At $62,000 in year one, these graduates earn nearly double the national median for communications majors ($35,000) and substantially more than the typical New York communications graduate ($32,000). Among New York's 79 programs in this field, Cornell ranks in the 95th percentile—outperforming even specialized schools like Fordham and CUNY's graduate center.

The financial picture is particularly striking when you consider the debt load. With a median of just $14,418 at graduation, Cornell communications majors carry roughly half the debt of typical program graduates while earning double the salary. That 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than three months of their starting salary—a remarkably manageable burden. Earnings also grow substantially, reaching $80,616 by year four, which suggests these graduates are advancing into management or specialized roles rather than stagnating in entry-level positions.

For a competitive communications major, Cornell offers what most programs don't: actual career leverage. The combination of low debt, strong starting salaries, and solid growth trajectory makes this one of the safer bets in a field where outcomes vary wildly. The 8% admission rate means getting in is the real challenge—but for students who do, the return on investment is clear.