Analysis
Le Moyne's Communication and Media Studies program shows something noteworthy: graduates who start at $34,050 see their earnings jump 41% by year four, reaching $48,028. This puts them above 60% of New York communication programs, a meaningful distinction in a state with 79 competing options. While the initial salary lands near the national middle, the four-year trajectory suggests employers increasingly value what these graduates bring.
The debt picture is manageable. At $25,000, it's exactly the national median for this major, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73βmeaning first-year salary covers the full debt load with room to spare. For comparison, graduates from Cornell ($62,182) and Fordham ($46,405) might earn more initially, but Le Moyne's more moderate tuition keeps the financial equation reasonable.
Here's what matters: if your child can leverage internships and build skills during college, that 41% earnings growth suggests real career momentum. The strong four-year number indicates this isn't just entry-level credential chasing. However, starting salaries are modest, so plan for lean early years. This program works best for students serious about building a communications career rather than those expecting immediate returns.
Where Le Moyne College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Le Moyne College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Moyne College | $34,050 | $48,028 | +41% |
| Cornell University | $62,182 | $80,616 | +30% |
| St. Thomas Aquinas College | $28,480 | $62,832 | +121% |
| Marist University | $41,818 | $62,340 | +49% |
| Pace University | $35,992 | $62,219 | +73% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (79 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,970 | $34,050 | $48,028 | $25,000 | 0.73 | |
| $66,014 | $62,182 | $80,616 | $14,418 | 0.23 | |
| $7,410 | $57,782 | β | $14,125 | 0.24 | |
| $63,268 | $50,750 | $52,131 | $27,000 | 0.53 | |
| $61,992 | $46,405 | $62,162 | $25,700 | 0.55 | |
| $50,850 | $44,016 | $59,580 | $26,000 | 0.59 | |
| National Median | β | $34,959 | β | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
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 Le Moyne College, approximately 30% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.