Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Bachelor's Degree) at Southeastern University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$38,260

93rd percentile

60th percentile in Florida

Median Debt

$25,000

3% above national median

Analysis

Southeastern University's communication program outperforms 93% of similar programs nationwide—a remarkable achievement for a field where median starting pay typically hovers around $30,000. At $38,260 first-year earnings, graduates here earn nearly $8,300 more than the national median, putting this program ahead of flagship options like University of Florida and Florida State.

Within Florida, the picture is more nuanced. While Southeastern ranks around the 60th percentile statewide, its graduates still out-earn the state median by about $5,000. The $25,000 debt load sits above Florida's typical $19,000 for this major, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 means graduates owe roughly 8 months of salary—manageable by most standards. For context, many communications programs saddle students with debt equal to a full year's earnings or more.

The real question is whether your child plans to stay in Florida's competitive media market. If they're considering markets like Atlanta, Nashville, or beyond, this program's strong national standing becomes more relevant. The earnings premium over typical communications graduates suggests Southeastern is doing something right—likely through industry connections or practical training that translates to better first jobs. At this price point and with these outcomes, it represents solid value for students serious about media careers.

Where Southeastern University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Southeastern University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (16 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Southeastern UniversityLakeland	$31,732	$38,260	—	$25,000	0.65
Florida International UniversityMiami	$6,565	$35,827	—	$11,180	0.31
University of MiamiCoral Gables	$59,926	$35,263	—	$19,500	0.55
University of Florida-OnlineGainesville	$3,876	$33,178	$49,796	$17,916	0.54
University of FloridaGainesville	$6,381	$33,178	$49,796	$17,916	0.54
Florida State UniversityTallahassee	$5,656	$32,227	$51,262	$18,500	0.57
National Median	—	$29,976	—	$24,250	0.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with radio, television, and digital communication graduates

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Producers and Directors

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Technical Directors/Managers

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

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 Southeastern University, approximately 22% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 36 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.