Communication and Media Studies at Le Moyne College
Bachelor's Degree
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 0.73—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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Le Moyne College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Le Moyne College graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 45th percentile of all communication and media studies bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (79 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Moyne College | $34,050 | $48,028 | $25,000 | 0.73 |
| Cornell University | $62,182 | $80,616 | $14,418 | 0.23 |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center | $57,782 | — | $14,125 | 0.24 |
| Hobart William Smith Colleges | $50,750 | $52,131 | $27,000 | 0.53 |
| Fordham University | $46,405 | $62,162 | $25,700 | 0.55 |
| Manhattan University | $44,016 | $59,580 | $26,000 | 0.59 |
| National Median | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University Ithaca | $66,014 | $62,182 | $14,418 |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center New York | $7,410 | $57,782 | $14,125 |
| Hobart William Smith Colleges Geneva | $63,268 | $50,750 | $27,000 |
| Fordham University Bronx | $61,992 | $46,405 | $25,700 |
| Manhattan University Riverdale | $50,850 | $44,016 | $26,000 |
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.