Communication and Media Studies at Flagler College

Flagler's Communication and Media Studies program starts graduates at just $27,434—roughly $7,300 below Florida's median for these degrees and $7,500 below the national average. Among Florida's 36 communication programs, this lands in the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable in-state options deliver stronger initial earnings. For context, nearby University of North Florida starts its communication graduates at $36,842, while even regional options like Florida Gulf Coast hit $39,342.

The $26,000 debt load sits close to national norms but represents 95% of first-year earnings, creating immediate financial pressure. With earnings this low, standard loan payments could consume 15-20% of take-home pay. The program ranks in just the 12th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes—a significant underperformance for a degree from a school with a 78% admission rate.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual experiences vary widely. However, the gap between Flagler's outcomes and other Florida programs is substantial enough to warrant serious consideration. If your child is set on communication studies in Florida, the data suggests exploring larger state universities where economies of scale and deeper industry connections appear to translate into markedly better starting positions. At minimum, investigate whether Flagler has specific industry niches (tourism, historic preservation media) where its Saint Augustine location creates advantages not captured in these broader numbers.