Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Flagler College

Flagler's communications program produces first-year earnings of $32,713—about $3,300 below Florida's state median and nearly $7,000 below the national benchmark. While it ranks at the 40th percentile among Florida programs (essentially middle-of-the-pack statewide), it falls to the 10th percentile nationally, suggesting graduates face tougher earning prospects than peers from most other communications programs across the country. The state's flagship universities—UF and FSU—produce graduates earning 25-30% more right out of the gate.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $23,125, it's slightly below the national median though higher than Florida's typical $18,375. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 means graduates owe roughly 8.5 months of their first year's salary, which is manageable but requires discipline. The real challenge isn't crushing debt—it's that starting salary that barely cracks $32,000.

For families considering Flagler, the calculation is straightforward: this is an affordable communications degree that leads to below-average earnings. If your student is drawn to Flagler's small-college environment and Saint Augustine setting, they should enter with realistic salary expectations and perhaps a plan to leverage internships aggressively or move to a larger market after graduation. If maximizing earning potential is the priority, Florida's public universities deliver measurably stronger returns in this field.