Communication and Media Studies at Edward Waters University

The estimated $26,000 debt load here exceeds what's typical for Florida's Communication and Media Studies programs, which median at $21,677. While the 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable bounds—national Communication bachelor's programs typically cluster around this range—the higher debt combined with Edward Waters serving a predominantly Pell-eligible population (76%) creates tighter margins for repayment challenges than you'd find at peer programs statewide.

Similar Florida Communication programs suggest first-year earnings around $34,720, which aligns with national benchmarks. However, other Jacksonville-area programs show notably stronger outcomes: Florida State College at Jacksonville graduates earn $43,508, while University of North Florida hits $36,842. These aren't just modest differences—they represent thousands of dollars in additional breathing room during those critical early repayment years when entry-level media salaries stretch thin.

The practical concern is straightforward: at an estimated $26,000 in debt and $34,720 in first-year earnings, your child faces roughly 9% of their pre-tax income going toward federal loan payments under standard plans. For a graduate likely entering competitive, sometimes unpaid-internship-heavy media fields, that burden could limit their ability to take career-building opportunities. Given the stronger track records at nearby alternatives, you'd want concrete evidence—like internship networks or job placement specifics from Edward Waters—to justify the premium debt load over more affordable Florida options.