Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at University of Miami

University of Miami communications graduates earn $43,917 their first year—10% above the national median and 22% above Florida's typical earnings for this field. While that puts them at the 81st percentile nationally, they're actually closer to the middle of the pack within Florida (60th percentile), trailing University of Florida grads by about $2,000. The real surprise here is the debt load: at $18,000, Miami grads carry significantly less debt than both the national median ($24,625) and what you'd expect from a selective private university, suggesting strong institutional aid or families paying out of pocket.

The 41% earnings jump from year one to year four indicates solid career progression, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 means graduates can realistically manage their loans. For a communications degree—a field often criticized for weak financial returns—these numbers look quite favorable. The caveat is that Miami is one of the most selective schools in this space, so these outcomes reflect both the program quality and the career advantages that come with the school's reputation and alumni network.

For families who can afford Miami's sticker price or qualify for substantial aid, this represents a safer bet than most communications programs. You're getting above-average earnings with below-average debt, from a school with strong credentials. Just understand you're paying for the Miami brand as much as the curriculum itself.