Analysis
Syracuse's Newhouse School produces journalism graduates who significantly outpace their peers—earning $40,757 in year one compared to New York's median of $32,456 and the national benchmark of $34,515. Only Fordham tops Syracuse among New York journalism programs, and the 54% earnings jump to $62,752 by year four suggests strong career trajectory and industry connections that justify the university's selective reputation.
The $27,000 median debt sits at just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of journalism programs leave students with more debt than Syracuse does. Combined with first-year earnings that place graduates in the 87th percentile nationally and 80th percentile statewide, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 is manageable—graduates owe less than eight months of their starting salary. This is rare in journalism, where many programs struggle to deliver return on investment.
For parents weighing Syracuse's higher price tag, the data validates what the Newhouse name promises: measurably better outcomes than most journalism schools. The combination of relatively modest debt and earnings that substantially exceed both state and national norms makes this one of the safer bets in a field often criticized for producing underemployed graduates.
Where Syracuse University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all journalism bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Syracuse University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University | $40,757 | $62,752 | +54% |
| Hofstra University | $37,241 | $54,788 | +47% |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | $22,839 | $52,328 | +129% |
| State University of New York at New Paltz | $29,628 | $50,893 | +72% |
| CUNY Brooklyn College | $23,120 | $49,986 | +116% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (28 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Syracuse UniversitySyracuse | $63,061 | $40,757 | $62,752 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
 Fordham UniversityBronx | $61,992 | $42,769 | — | $26,324 | 0.62 |
 Hofstra UniversityHempstead | $55,450 | $37,241 | $54,788 | $25,000 | 0.67 |
 St. John's University-New YorkQueens | $50,110 | $36,020 | $49,154 | $26,000 | 0.72 |
 Canisius UniversityBuffalo | $32,720 | $34,766 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
 Ithaca CollegeIthaca | $50,510 | $34,453 | $47,376 | $25,000 | 0.73 |
| National Median | — | $34,515 | — | $24,250 | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with journalism graduates
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Film and Video Editors
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Photographers
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Syracuse University, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 168 graduates with reported earnings and 133 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.