Communication and Media Studies at Marist University

Marist's communication program stands out in a crowded field, with graduates earning nearly $20,000 more than the typical New York communication major just one year out—ranking in the 80th percentile statewide. That first-year salary of $41,818 might not sound impressive in isolation, but context matters: the median NY communication grad starts at just $31,881, and nationally the figure is even lower at $34,959.

The real story here is momentum. Earnings jump 49% by year four to $62,340, suggesting graduates are gaining traction in competitive media markets rather than stalling out in entry-level roles. With debt of $26,000—essentially average for the field—you're looking at a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio that gets more favorable as salaries climb. Compare this to CUNY's Graduate Center ($57,782 starting) or even Cornell ($62,182), and Marist graduates are closing the gap by year four while likely carrying less debt than private competitors like Fordham.

For parents worried about the stereotypical struggling communications grad, Marist's track record should be reassuring. The combination of above-average starting salaries, strong earnings trajectory, and modest debt makes this a relatively safe bet in a major that often produces disappointing returns. You're paying for a program that consistently outperforms 80% of its state competitors.