Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,050
45th percentile
60th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$25,000
At national median

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 0.73β€”meaning 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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Le Moyne CollegeSyracuse$38,970$34,050$48,028$25,0000.73
Cornell UniversityIthaca$66,014$62,182$80,616$14,4180.23
CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York$7,410$57,782β€”$14,1250.24
Hobart William Smith CollegesGeneva$63,268$50,750$52,131$27,0000.53
Fordham UniversityBronx$61,992$46,405$62,162$25,7000.55
Manhattan UniversityRiverdale$50,850$44,016$59,580$26,0000.59
National Medianβ€”$34,959β€”$25,0000.72

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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.