Analysis
FIT's graphic communications program shows alarmingly low starting earnings—$12,261 puts graduates in the bottom 5% nationally and bottom 10% even among New York schools, where this major pays less to begin with. The nearly $20,000 in debt, while lower than typical for this field, still exceeds that first-year salary. For context, Rochester Institute of Technology's graduates in the same program earn more than 2.5 times as much ($32,044) right out of the gate.
The substantial caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates in this data, we might be seeing an unrepresentative snapshot. Perhaps some graduates took unpaid internships or freelance work that doesn't show up properly in wage records. The 88% earnings jump by year four suggests things improve, though $23,086 is still concerning—roughly what New York's minimum wage would yield working full-time.
If your child is genuinely passionate about this field and specifically wants FIT's design-focused environment, have honest conversations about the financial reality of those first few years. But families counting on quick return on investment should look closely at programs where typical graduates actually earn enough to cover their loans. The numbers suggest this path requires either substantial family support during those lean early years or a backup plan.
Where Fashion Institute of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all graphic communications bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Fashion Institute of Technology 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Institute of Technology | $12,261 | $23,086 | +88% |
| Brigham Young University | $38,725 | $74,650 | +93% |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | $32,044 | $73,091 | +128% |
| SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | $21,373 | $32,429 | +52% |
| School of Visual Arts | $22,478 | $29,586 | +32% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Graphic Communications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Fashion Institute of TechnologyNew York | $6,170 | $12,261 | $23,086 | $19,875 | 1.62 |
 Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester | $57,016 | $32,044 | $73,091 | $27,000 | 0.84 |
 School of Visual ArtsNew York | $49,140 | $22,478 | $29,586 | $27,000 | 1.20 |
 SUNY College of Technology at AlfredAlfred | $8,862 | $21,373 | $32,429 | $27,000 | 1.26 |
 Pratt Institute-MainBrooklyn | $59,683 | $20,048 | — | $26,724 | 1.33 |
 SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at CobleskillCobleskill | $8,676 | $19,120 | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $25,330 | — | $27,000 | 1.07 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with graphic communications graduates
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 Fashion Institute of Technology, approximately 32% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.