Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Florida International University

FIU's communications program graduates start at $34,435—about $1,500 below Florida's median and $5,000 below the national average. Among the state's 23 programs, this places FIU right in the middle (40th percentile), but that middle ground becomes concerning when you look at the competitive landscape. University of Florida and Florida State graduates earn $7,000-$8,000 more their first year out, and even UCF's nearby program delivers $3,000 higher starting salaries.

The bright spot here is debt: at just $12,000, FIU graduates carry half what their Florida peers typically owe and far less than the $24,625 national median. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, meaning graduates should be able to pay off loans relatively quickly despite the modest starting salary. For families concerned about borrowing, especially given FIU's high Pell Grant population, that's meaningful protection.

The calculation for anxious parents comes down to this: your child will likely start their communications career earning less than peers from other Florida schools, but they'll do so with significantly less debt. If keeping borrowing low is the priority—and for 40% of FIU students receiving Pell Grants, it often is—this program delivers on that goal. Just understand you're trading higher immediate earnings for lower financial risk.