Communication and Media Studies at University of Miami

A Communication and Media Studies degree from this highly selective private university comes with an estimated $26,000 in debt, while similar programs across Florida suggest first-year earnings around $34,720. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 sits at a manageable level—you'd expect to earn roughly $1.30 for every dollar borrowed—but the bigger question is whether you're getting what you're paying for at a school with a 19% acceptance rate.

The earnings estimate here matches the statewide median exactly, which means comparable programs suggest typical rather than exceptional outcomes despite Miami's selectivity. Several Florida public universities with reported data show their communication graduates earning $36,800 to $39,300 in year one, and a few specialized programs reach into the mid-$40,000s. The estimated debt figure is modestly higher than Florida's median of $21,677 for this field, likely reflecting the private university premium without clear evidence of a corresponding earnings advantage.

For a family considering this investment, the core tension is straightforward: you're likely paying more in tuition and borrowing somewhat more than at peer institutions, but peer program data doesn't indicate you'll see higher starting salaries to offset those costs. If your child is set on Miami for reasons beyond earnings—network, campus culture, specific opportunities—understand that the financial return appears to mirror what Florida's public universities deliver at lower cost.