Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Southeastern University

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.