Analysis
A first-year salary around $41,500—typical for business communications graduates nationally—paired with roughly $23,250 in debt creates a manageable starting point, though hardly an exceptional one. Similar programs across the country produce this debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56, meaning graduates typically owe about half their first year's salary. That's workable but requires discipline, especially since business communications roles often cluster in higher-cost urban markets where that salary stretches less far.
The challenge with Saint Leo's program is that we're working entirely with estimates drawn from peer institutions, since the school's actual graduate outcomes aren't publicly available. What we know is that nationally, business communications sits in that middle ground between pure liberal arts and more specialized business degrees—useful for corporate roles in PR, internal communications, or marketing support, but not commanding the premium of finance or accounting credentials. The 37% Pell Grant population suggests many students here are borrowing to attend, making that $23,250 debt figure particularly relevant to your family's decision.
For anxious parents, the practical question is whether this particular path justifies private university tuition when Florida's public options might deliver similar outcomes at lower cost. Without school-specific data, you're essentially betting that Saint Leo's career services and alumni network will differentiate enough to matter. Request employment placement rates and alumni salary ranges directly from the school before committing.
Where Saint Leo University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/corporate communications bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Corporate Communications bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,360 | $41,494* | — | $23,250* | — | |
| $58,150 | $57,141* | $74,655 | $25,000* | 0.44 | |
| $38,520 | $49,378* | $51,589 | $23,250* | 0.47 | |
| $7,464 | $47,880* | $62,502 | $12,125* | 0.25 | |
| $34,595 | $46,213* | $53,616 | $30,619* | 0.66 | |
| $9,711 | $45,997* | $58,198 | $24,567* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $41,494* | — | $23,250* | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/corporate communications graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Technical Writers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Saint Leo University, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 14 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.