Analysis
Baruch College's Business/Corporate Communications program stands out as an exceptional value, combining strong earnings potential with remarkably low debt. Graduates earn $47,880 in their first year—placing this program in the 87th percentile nationally and matching the New York state median. More importantly, they achieve this with just $12,125 in median debt, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 that's among the best you'll find anywhere.
The financial advantage becomes even clearer when compared to national norms. While the typical graduate from similar programs nationwide carries $23,250 in debt for median earnings of $41,494, Baruch students graduate with half the debt and $6,000 higher starting salaries. The program also delivers solid career progression, with earnings growing 31% to $62,502 by year four. This combination of low debt and strong earning power means graduates can build wealth from day one rather than spending years paying down loans.
With only two schools in New York offering this specialized program and Baruch matching the state median for earnings while offering the lowest debt load, this represents a clear win for families seeking communications training without the typical financial burden. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates adds confidence to these promising numbers.
Where CUNY Bernard M Baruch College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/corporate communications bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | $47,880 | $62,502 | +31% |
| Bentley University | $57,141 | $74,655 | +31% |
| National University | $38,696 | $69,428 | +79% |
| Chapman University | $39,901 | $61,840 | +55% |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | $41,988 | $58,762 | +40% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Corporate Communications bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 CUNY Bernard M Baruch CollegeNew York | $7,464 | $47,880 | $62,502 | $12,125 | 0.25 |
 Bentley UniversityWaltham | $58,150 | $57,141 | $74,655 | $25,000 | 0.44 |
 Aquinas CollegeGrand Rapids | $38,520 | $49,378 | $51,589 | $23,250 | 0.47 |
 Walsh UniversityNorth Canton | $34,595 | $46,213 | $53,616 | $30,619 | 0.66 |
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $45,997 | $58,198 | $24,567 | 0.53 |
 University of Wisconsin-River FallsRiver Falls | $8,606 | $43,149 | $52,519 | $22,375 | 0.52 |
| National Median | — | $41,494 | — | $23,250 | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/corporate communications graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Technical Writers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
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 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, approximately 55% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 356 graduates with reported earnings and 192 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.