Communication and Media Studies at Hobart William Smith Colleges

Hobart William Smith's Communication and Media Studies program dramatically outperforms both state and national expectations, placing in the 95th percentile for earnings in both comparisons. Graduates earn $50,750 in their first year—nearly $19,000 more than the New York median for this major and $16,000 above the national benchmark. That's a significant premium, especially considering communication degrees often struggle with lower starting salaries. Among New York's 79 programs, only Cornell and CUNY's Graduate School produce higher earners, putting this small liberal arts college in remarkably elite company.

The $27,000 median debt sits just above national and state averages, but the 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio tells the real story: graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary, a manageable burden that most can realistically pay down. The modest 3% earnings growth to year four might seem underwhelming, but when you're already earning $50,750 right out of the gate, there's less room for dramatic jumps. The sample size of 30-100 graduates is moderate but sufficient for confidence in these outcomes.

For a communication degree—a field where many graduates struggle to find well-paying work—these numbers represent exceptional value. You're getting Cornell-adjacent earnings outcomes at a more accessible institution (57% admission rate versus Cornell's selectivity), with debt levels that won't become oppressive. If your student is drawn to media and communications, this program delivers the kind of ROI that justifies the private school investment.