Communication and Media Studies at CUNY City College

CUNY City College's Communication and Media Studies program punches well above its weight class. Graduates earn $42,734 in their first year—outperforming 90% of similar programs nationally and 80% within New York. That's remarkable considering the program costs just $15,827 in median debt, less than two-thirds what typical communications majors borrow. Among New York's 79 communications programs, only a handful of elite private schools produce higher earnings, yet City College students emerge with dramatically less debt than the state median of $25,000.

The financial picture gets even better with time. Four years out, earnings jump 23% to $52,691, a trajectory that suggests graduates aren't stuck in low-ceiling entry-level media roles. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means students typically owe less than five months' salary—easily manageable and well below concerning thresholds. With 60% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly provides upward mobility for working-class New Yorkers at a fraction of what private institutions charge.

For families weighing a communications degree, City College offers an unusual combination: strong post-graduation outcomes at a price point that won't burden your child with years of repayment. The robust sample size confirms these aren't flukes—this program consistently delivers value.