Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Florida State University

Florida State's media program starts modestly but takes off—graduates earn $32,227 initially but see their income jump 59% to $51,262 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the first-year number suggests. Nationally, this program outperforms 65% of similar programs, though it sits just below the middle of the pack among Florida's 16 media programs. Students here graduate with $18,500 in debt, roughly $5,000 less than the typical media major nationwide, making the initial payback period manageable even with that lower starting salary.

The real question is whether the delayed earnings curve works for your family's situation. Those first couple years could be tight—this debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 isn't alarming, but it means over half a year's salary goes toward loans in theory. However, media careers often follow this pattern: entry-level positions pay little, but experience compounds quickly for those who stick with it. The robust sample size here (100+ graduates) confirms this isn't an anomaly.

For a selective state university with strong name recognition, this program delivers reasonable value if your student is committed to the industry. The moderate debt load and strong earnings growth create a workable financial path, though families should prepare for leaner early years. If higher starting pay matters more, look at Southeastern or FIU's programs instead.