Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies at University of Florida

The first year after graduation looks rough—$26,198 puts this program in just the 18th percentile nationally—but the four-year trajectory tells a different story entirely. Earnings nearly double to $51,916, suggesting graduates are landing entry-level roles that don't require the degree immediately but benefit from it significantly over time. With debt under $23,000 and that 0.87 ratio to first-year earnings, the financial risk is manageable even during the lean early period.

Here's the Florida angle: while this program ranks poorly against the national pool, it sits at the 60th percentile within the state. That matters because with only seven Florida schools offering this degree, you're comparing against a limited in-state market. The bigger concern is that first-year figure—some graduates may be working retail or service jobs initially, which is common in humanities and social science fields but still requires careful planning around living expenses and loan payments.

The bottom line: if your child is committed to this field and willing to hustle through a challenging first couple years, the earnings trajectory is encouraging. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) adds some uncertainty, but the debt load is reasonable enough that early-career struggles won't become a debt trap. Just make sure they have a financial cushion or family support for those first two years post-graduation.