Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Southeastern University

Similar communications programs in Florida suggest first-year earnings around $36,000—matching the state median but trailing the national benchmark by nearly $4,000. For this particular field, Florida appears to offer less competitive starting salaries than the broader market, with even top-tier state programs like UCF barely reaching the national median. Southeastern's estimated outcomes align with this regional pattern, placing graduates in the middle of Florida's communications landscape but below what peers nationally typically earn.

The estimated debt load of $24,063 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67, which falls comfortably within recommended ranges for bachelor's degrees. This figure is actually higher than Florida's median debt for communications programs ($18,375) but nearly identical to the national median ($24,625). The math works—graduates would need roughly two-thirds of their first-year salary to cover total debt—but there's minimal cushion if actual earnings come in lower or if the job search takes longer than expected.

The real question is whether Florida's communications market justifies this investment. When comparable programs across the state—including major research universities—are producing similar or only modestly better outcomes, parents should understand they're investing in a field where geographic location significantly constrains earning potential. If your child is committed to staying in Florida, these numbers may represent the realistic ceiling. If they're willing to relocate to markets where communications professionals command higher salaries, this estimated baseline becomes less relevant.