Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians at Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College's audiovisual program produces graduates earning $30,575 in their first year—substantially beating the national median of $22,790 and edging past New York's $29,299 median. The $11,500 typical debt load is remarkably low, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, which means graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of working. Among New York's 19 programs, this lands around the 60th percentile for earnings, positioning it as a solid mid-pack option statewide while dramatically outperforming most programs nationally.

The modest earnings growth to $32,462 by year four isn't spectacular, but the low debt makes this less concerning than it would be for pricier programs. What you're getting here is affordable entry into a technical field with immediate earning potential. The catch: fewer than 30 students were tracked, so these numbers could shift with a larger sample.

For families worried about community college debt and earning power, this program hits the right balance. Your child graduates with manageable debt and earnings that match or exceed what most New York programs deliver, without the financial risk of a four-year degree. Just recognize they're entering a field where advancement may require additional training or entrepreneurial hustle beyond the associate's degree.