Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,178
71st percentile (60th in FL)
Median Debt
$17,916
26% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.54
Manageable
Sample Size
224
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Florida's online program in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication shows strong momentum where it matters most: earnings growth after graduation. While starting salaries of $33,178 sit right at Florida's median for this major, graduates see their earnings jump 50% to nearly $50,000 by year four—a trajectory that outpaces most communication programs both statewide and nationally.

The debt picture here is notably favorable. At under $18,000, graduates owe about $6,000 less than the national median for this field and roughly $1,000 below Florida's typical burden. That 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio means new graduates face manageable payments while they're building their careers, and the strong earnings trajectory makes that debt increasingly easier to service. Among Florida's communication programs, UF Online matches the state median for starting pay while delivering significantly lower debt than average.

For parents weighing this investment, the key advantage is paying less for outcomes that track with Florida's top programs. UF Online graduates start at virtually the same salary as University of Miami and Florida International University grads, but with roughly half the typical debt load. The online format may raise questions about networking opportunities, but the earnings data suggests graduates are finding solid footing in the field—and improving their position steadily in those crucial first years after graduation.

Where University of Florida-Online Stands

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

University of Florida-OnlineOther radio, television, and digital communication programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Florida-Online graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Florida-Online graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 71th percentile of all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Florida-Online$33,178$49,796$17,9160.54
Southeastern University$38,260$25,0000.65
Florida International University$35,827$11,1800.31
University of Miami$35,263$19,5000.55
University of Florida$33,178$49,796$17,9160.54
Florida State University$32,227$51,262$18,5000.57
National Median$29,976$24,2500.81

Other Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs in Florida

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Southeastern University
Lakeland
$31,732$38,260$25,000
Florida International University
Miami
$6,565$35,827$11,180
University of Miami
Coral Gables
$59,926$35,263$19,500
University of Florida
Gainesville
$6,381$33,178$17,916
Florida State University
Tallahassee
$5,656$32,227$18,500

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 University of Florida-Online, approximately 20% 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 224 graduates with reported earnings and 186 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.