Communication & Media at Dutchess Community College

First-year earnings of $17,585 place Dutchess Community College below the $28,401 national median for Communication & Media — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 26.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication & Media programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 55% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Communication & Media graduates.

Median debt of $8,937 represents roughly 6 months of the $17,585 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #15 of 16 Communication & Media programs, Dutchess Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $36,269 show a 106% jump from the $17,585 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

Communication & Media has a registered apprenticeship option through Public Affairs (Military Only) with a median wage of $69,780/yr — worth exploring for students who prefer structured on-the-job training.