Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at St Bonaventure University

St. Bonaventure's media program shows a dramatic earnings trajectory that's rare in communications fields, but the small sample size means a few successful alumni could be driving these numbers. That first-year median of $27,714 sits below both the New York state and national averages, suggesting many graduates start in entry-level media positions or internships. By year four, however, earnings jump to $58,312—that's double the state median and nearly double the national benchmark for this degree.

The $26,000 debt load is reasonable and slightly above state norms, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0 in year one. That's manageable even at the lower starting salary. What's striking is the gap between St. Bonaventure's outcomes and the state's top programs: Rochester Institute of Technology graduates earn $71,549 right out of the gate, while NYU and Fordham alumni start around $46,000-$48,000.

For families considering this program, understand you're looking at a small cohort where individual career paths heavily influence the statistics. The four-year earnings figure suggests some graduates find their footing in media, possibly moving from small-market broadcasting or digital production into better-paying roles. But given the modest admission profile and starting salaries, plan for a potentially lean first year or two after graduation while your student builds their career.