Graphic Communications at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Alfred's Graphic Communications program shows earnings that beat most New York competitors but trail national averages—a pattern worth understanding given the state's concentration of design and print media employers. While first-year earnings of $21,373 sit below the $25,330 national median, they exceed the $20,710 state median, ranking this program in the 60th percentile among New York schools. Only Rochester Institute of Technology clearly outperforms it among in-state options.

The concerning part is that even after four years, median earnings reach just $32,429—barely above RIT's starting salaries. That 52% earnings growth sounds impressive, but it reflects a low starting point rather than exceptional career trajectory. The $27,000 debt load translates to monthly payments that could consume 15-20% of that first-year income, which is manageable but tight.

However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly with just a few outliers. A cohort where several graduates chose lower-paying creative roles or stayed in rural upstate New York could skew the data downward. For parents, this suggests looking closely at where graduates actually end up working—urban markets like New York City or Rochester would likely offer better salary prospects than the surrounding region. If your child has strong portfolio work and networking skills to access competitive markets, this program could serve as an affordable entry point to the field.