Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,178
71st percentile
60th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$17,916
26% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Florida-Online$33,178$49,796+50%
Florida State University$32,227$51,262+59%
University of Florida$33,178$49,796+50%
Florida Gulf Coast University$30,437$43,424+43%
University of Central Florida$27,148$40,123+48%

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Florida-OnlineGainesville$3,876$33,178$49,796$17,9160.54
Southeastern UniversityLakeland$31,732$38,260$25,0000.65
Florida International UniversityMiami$6,565$35,827$11,1800.31
University of MiamiCoral Gables$59,926$35,263$19,5000.55
University of FloridaGainesville$6,381$33,178$49,796$17,9160.54
Florida State UniversityTallahassee$5,656$32,227$51,262$18,5000.57
National Median$29,976$24,2500.81

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 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.