Communication and Media Studies at State University of New York at Plattsburgh

SUNY Plattsburgh's Communication and Media Studies graduates start with earnings about 24% above the state median for this major—a solid initial return that puts them above 60% of New York programs in a competitive field. The $25,150 debt load translates to manageable monthly payments relative to that first-year salary. However, earnings drift downward to $36,916 by year four, a pattern that suggests graduates may be cycling through entry-level positions or facing limited advancement in local media markets.

The numbers look better when you consider that communication majors often earn considerably less. Nationally, SUNY Plattsburgh sits at the 75th percentile, meaning three-quarters of similar programs produce lower initial earnings. Within New York specifically, where media and communications opportunities cluster heavily in New York City, performing in the 60th percentile from a small upstate campus is reasonably competitive. The debt burden is right at the national norm—nothing exceptional, but not a red flag either.

For families seeking an affordable communications degree with decent starting prospects, this program delivers better-than-average outcomes at a SUNY price point. The concern is the earnings trajectory. Your child will need to be strategic about building skills and connections during college to avoid stagnating in that $35,000-40,000 range long-term.