Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at University of Florida
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Florida's PR and communications program stands out for delivering strong earnings growth while keeping debt remarkably low. Graduates earn $42,099 in their first year—well above the national median of $39,794 and significantly higher than Florida's $36,000 median. More impressive is the 39% earnings jump to $58,636 by year four, suggesting this program opens doors to career advancement that many communications programs don't provide.
The debt picture is particularly compelling. At $17,439, UF graduates carry about $7,000 less debt than the national median and nearly $1,000 less than the Florida average. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.41—meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans in under a year of full earnings. Among Florida's PR programs, UF ranks competitively in the 60th percentile for earnings while maintaining one of the lowest debt loads.
For parents worried about communications degrees leading to financial struggle, UF's program offers reassurance. The combination of strong starting salaries, excellent growth trajectory, and minimal debt creates a foundation for financial stability that's rare in this field. The program's selectivity and UF's reputation likely contribute to these outcomes, making this a smart choice for students serious about communications careers.
Where University of Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public relations, advertising, and applied communication bachelors's programs nationally
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 graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Florida graduates earn $42k, placing them in the 72th percentile of all public relations, advertising, and applied 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
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | $42,099 | $58,636 | $17,439 | 0.41 |
| University of Miami | $43,917 | $61,959 | $18,000 | 0.41 |
| University of Florida-Online | $42,099 | $58,636 | $17,439 | 0.41 |
| Florida State University | $41,060 | $51,082 | $13,849 | 0.34 |
| University of Central Florida | $37,388 | $44,367 | $18,750 | 0.50 |
| The University of Tampa | $36,977 | $57,182 | $25,000 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $39,794 | — | $24,625 | 0.62 |
Other Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Miami Coral Gables | $59,926 | $43,917 | $18,000 |
| University of Florida-Online Gainesville | $3,876 | $42,099 | $17,439 |
| Florida State University Tallahassee | $5,656 | $41,060 | $13,849 |
| University of Central Florida Orlando | $6,368 | $37,388 | $18,750 |
| The University of Tampa Tampa | $33,424 | $36,977 | $25,000 |
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, approximately 22% 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 403 graduates with reported earnings and 322 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.