Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Similar communications programs across New York suggest first-year earnings around $38,800—squarely in line with the state median for this field. The estimated $24,200 debt load translates to a 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning roughly seven months of gross income to cover borrowing. That's a manageable starting point, particularly compared to fields where debt exceeds annual earnings.

The catch is that comparable programs at other SUNY schools show this isn't a high-earning major. Top performers in New York like Syracuse and Pace produce graduates earning in the $40,000s to $50,000s, but those often come with higher tuition and debt. Meanwhile, SUNY Plattsburgh—another public option—reports first-year earnings around $40,100 with similar cost structures. The estimates here suggest SUNY Poly sits in the middle of the pack: not exceptional outcomes, but reasonable value given the lower debt burden.

For anxious parents, the question isn't whether communications degrees pay well—they don't, at least initially—but whether this particular program offers a sound financial foundation. Based on peer programs, the debt-to-earnings picture looks balanced enough to avoid financial strain early on, though career growth will matter significantly. If your child is committed to communications and wants a SUNY price tag, this appears to be a defensible choice. If they're choosing this field casually or could pivot to a higher-earning major, the modest earnings trajectory deserves serious consideration.