Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at The University of Tampa

The University of Tampa's communications program starts below both national and state averages—$36,977 versus $39,794 nationally and $36,000 statewide—but the real story emerges in year four, when earnings jump 55% to $57,182. That puts graduates well ahead of the typical Florida outcome and suggests the program's Tampa Bay connections and practical training pay off once students establish themselves professionally. Among Florida's 23 programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile, trailing flagship universities but outpacing most competitors over time.

The $25,000 debt load sits slightly above the state median of $18,375, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 remains manageable. More selective programs like University of Miami deliver stronger immediate outcomes ($43,917 in year one), but Tampa's trajectory narrows that gap considerably by year four. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes will vary, and the lower starting salary means graduates need to be prepared for lean first years in entry-level roles.

For parents, this comes down to whether your child can weather 1-2 years of entry-level pay while building their career. If they can—perhaps with family support or low living costs—the four-year earnings suggest solid mid-career prospects in Florida's growing communications market. If they need strong immediate earnings to manage debt, consider the state's flagship programs instead.