Communication and Media Studies at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 16,850 in New York, NY.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $26,437 track close to the $28,401 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 34.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 27% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
At $8,600 in median debt against $26,437 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
A #10 ranking among 16 Communication and Media Studies programs places CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
A 35% earnings increase from $26,437 to $35,617 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
One registered apprenticeship pathway (Public Affairs (Military Only) with a median wage of $69,780/yr) connects to Communication and Media Studies careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Communication and Media Studies graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public relations managers | $138,520 | +5.0% | 45% |
| Fundraising managers | $123,480 | +4.2% | 44% |
| Communications teachers, postsecondary | $77,800 | +2.1% | 57% |
About Communication and Media Studies Careers
Your career could start in a fast-paced public relations agency, where you’ll spend your days drafting press releases, pitching stories to journalists using media databases, and managing a company's social media presence. Another common path is in fundraising for non-profits, writing compelling grant proposals and using donor management software to build relationships and plan events.
Read the full Communication and Media Studies career guide →
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies Overview
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
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