Communication and Media Studies at DeVry University-Florida

DeVry University-Florida's communication program graduates earn significantly more than typical communication majors—about $47,600 starting out, which beats 95% of similar programs nationally and 80% in Florida. That's roughly $13,000 more than what Florida communication graduates typically make. However, this earning advantage comes at a steep price: graduates carry a median debt of $56,858, more than double the state median and triple the national benchmark for this field.

The debt burden creates real financial pressure despite the strong earnings. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.19, graduates face monthly payments that will claim a substantial portion of their income. The flat earnings trajectory—dropping slightly from year one to year four—means there's no relief coming from rapid salary growth. For context, even the top Florida programs like Florida State College at Jacksonville produce similar or lower earnings while typically leaving students with far less debt.

The math here is straightforward: your child might earn more initially than most communication majors, but they'll be paying off roughly twice as much debt as graduates from Florida Gulf Coast or UCF who end up with comparable salaries within a few years. Unless there's a compelling reason to choose DeVry specifically—like a flexible schedule for working students—more affordable Florida public universities offer better financial outcomes in this field.