Communication and Media Studies at University of Mount Saint Vincent

University of Mount Saint Vincent's communication program shows a challenging start—graduates earn just $28,842 in their first year, landing them in the 18th percentile nationally and making the $25,822 in debt feel particularly heavy. However, the 61% earnings jump to $46,381 by year four tells a more hopeful story, lifting graduates to right around the middle of New York's communications market (40th percentile statewide). That delayed trajectory means new graduates will likely face tight budgets initially, but the program does eventually move them toward competitive wages for the field.

The earnings pattern here is typical for communications degrees, which often require time to build professional networks and specialized skills. Still, with an 85% admission rate and nearly half the student body on Pell grants, this program serves a population that may need earnings to materialize sooner rather than later. The modest debt load works in graduates' favor—it's manageable compared to many New York programs—but that first-year salary means loan payments could strain entry-level budgets.

One important caveat: the sample size here is small, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. For families considering this program, the key question is whether your student can weather several lean years financially. If family support or part-time work can supplement those early paychecks, the mid-career earnings become more reasonable. Without that cushion, the slow start could prove difficult to manage.