Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Pace University

Pace's communications program earns graduates $44,485 in their first year—ranking in the 83rd percentile nationally but the 60th percentile in New York. That gap matters: you're paying a premium to attend in one of the country's most expensive cities, and while Pace outperforms the national field, it sits in the middle of the pack among New York schools. Still, the $61,347 median at the four-year mark shows meaningful momentum, suggesting the program's NYC connections help graduates advance once they're established.

The $25,000 debt load matches both state and national medians, which keeps the immediate post-graduation finances manageable—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 means most graduates can handle payments without strain. The 38% earnings jump over four years is particularly noteworthy in communications, where many programs see graduates plateau early. That growth trajectory indicates Pace students are moving into better-paying roles, likely leveraging the school's proximity to major media, PR, and advertising firms.

For families comparing options, understand that Syracuse commands significantly higher starting salaries ($55K), but Pace costs less and positions graduates well for advancement. If your child thrives in urban environments and can handle a modest first-year salary while building their career, the four-year earnings picture makes this a solid choice. Just know you're not getting the top-tier New York advantage—you're getting reliable access to a strong market.