Communication and Media Studies at St. John Fisher University

St. John Fisher's Communication and Media Studies program starts slow but demonstrates impressive momentum: graduates earn just $30,233 in their first year, but that jumps 53% to $46,371 by year four. This trajectory suggests graduates need time to break into competitive media markets, but once they do, their earning potential accelerates significantly.

Within New York—a state with robust media industries—this program sits right at the median (40th percentile), which is actually more encouraging than the national ranking (24th percentile) suggests. While top programs like Cornell and Fordham pull significantly ahead, Fisher's graduates are competing reasonably well in a crowded field of 79 New York programs. The $23,328 debt load is lower than both state and national medians, making that first lean year more manageable financially.

The real question is whether your family can weather that initial period: $30,000 before taxes leaves little breathing room in expensive metro areas like Rochester or New York City. However, if your student can secure internships, live affordably, or has family support for that first year or two, the strong upward trajectory offers real potential. This isn't a quick-return program, but the growth curve suggests Fisher is preparing students who eventually find their footing in competitive communications careers.