Journalism at SUNY Brockport

SUNY Brockport's journalism program outperforms more than half of New York's journalism programs while keeping debt reasonable—a notable achievement given that several competitors charge significantly more for similar or only marginally better outcomes. At $24,627 in median debt and first-year earnings of $33,085, graduates face a manageable 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe less than one year's salary. Four years out, earnings climb to $40,394, approaching what graduates from Syracuse's much more expensive program earn early on.

The program sits in the 60th percentile statewide, which matters for students considering New York schools. While it trails the earnings leaders like Fordham and Syracuse by roughly $2,000-$9,000 after four years, the debt burden here is likely far lower. Journalism remains a modest-paying field regardless of school prestige—even top programs nationally rarely exceed $45,000 in median early earnings—so minimizing debt becomes crucial. The 22% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates gain traction in their careers rather than hitting an immediate ceiling.

For families concerned about return on investment in journalism, this represents a practical path: solid preparation at a state school price point, with earnings that keep pace with peers across New York. The real question is whether your child is committed enough to journalism to accept entry-level salaries in the low $30,000s, not whether this particular program delivers value within its field.