Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Ithaca College

Ithaca College's communication program starts slow but accelerates impressively, with earnings jumping 44% by year four to nearly $57,000—well above both the national and New York state medians. Among New York's 28 communication programs, graduates here rank in the 60th percentile for earnings, outperforming SUNY Plattsburgh and landing within striking distance of Hofstra despite starting $2,000 behind. The nearly $17,000 earnings bump from year one to year four suggests graduates are securing better positions as they gain experience, a pattern that should continue into their careers.

The debt picture is manageable at $23,250—slightly below both state and national medians for this major. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59, graduates owe less than seven months of their first-year salary, and that ratio improves significantly as earnings climb. This isn't Syracuse money (where graduates earn $55,000 immediately), but considering Ithaca's 70% admission rate makes it accessible to more students, the value proposition holds up.

The key question is whether your student can weather that first year at $39,000. If they're willing to be patient and strategic about career progression, the trajectory here is solid. This program delivers middle-of-the-pack outcomes with below-average debt—a combination that leaves room for graduates to build careers without being crushed by loan payments.