Communication and Media Studies at St. Thomas University

A $26,000 debt load might sound manageable until you realize that similar Communication and Media Studies programs in Florida typically lead to first-year earnings around $34,720—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that's higher than ideal but not disastrous. What's more concerning is the comparison: several Florida public universities with actual reported data show their communication graduates earning considerably more, with Florida State College at Jacksonville hitting $43,508 and Florida Gulf Coast reaching $39,342. St. Thomas's near-open admission (99% acceptance rate) and the fact that outcomes must be estimated due to small graduate cohorts suggests this program may not have the track record or industry connections of larger competitors.

The national picture offers little comfort. These estimated earnings match the national median exactly, meaning this isn't about Florida's job market—it's about communication degrees broadly producing modest early-career returns. While the debt estimate aligns with national figures, parents should recognize that graduates at higher-ranked Florida programs appear to be accessing better entry-level positions, possibly through stronger alumni networks or proximity to major media markets in Orlando or Jacksonville.

The practical reality: your child would likely finish with debt equivalent to about three-quarters of their first year's salary, based on peer program outcomes. That's serviceable if they land steady work, but the field's competitiveness and the absence of standout outcomes data make this a leap of faith rather than a proven investment.