Communication and Media Studies at CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn College's Communication and Media Studies program starts slow but builds impressive momentum. First-year earnings of $27,262 lag far behind both state and national averages, but by year four, graduates are earning $54,390—nearly double and well above typical outcomes for this major. What makes this trajectory particularly noteworthy: it's achieved with just $11,750 in median debt, roughly half the national average for communication programs and among the lowest debt loads you'll find anywhere in New York.

The trade-off is that initial year. Ranking in just the 12th percentile nationally means recent grads face a challenging start, likely relying on entry-level positions or internships that don't immediately leverage their degree. Within New York's competitive media landscape, the program sits at the 40th percentile—middle of the pack for the state but still behind schools like Cornell and Fordham. The silver lining: Brooklyn College serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (56%), and that minimal debt burden means graduates can take those lower-paying first opportunities without financial crisis.

For families prioritizing affordability and willing to accept a slower launch, this program delivers strong returns by year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 means graduates can manage payments even during that tough first year, and the earnings trajectory suggests they're finding their footing in media careers. Just understand your child may need financial support or side income initially while building toward those mid-career gains.