Analysis
University of North Florida's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $36,842—outearning the Florida median for this program by about $2,000 and placing in the 60th percentile both statewide and nationally. More importantly, they're carrying just $17,345 in debt, roughly $8,000 below what typical Florida comm students owe. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a manageable starting point for a humanities field where debt can easily spiral.
The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to $44,654 by year four, a 21% increase that suggests graduates are finding their footing in the job market. While UNF doesn't crack the top tier of Florida programs (DeVry and Florida State College at Jacksonville grads earn significantly more), it sits comfortably in the middle pack alongside UCF and performs better than many private alternatives.
The real story here is value: UNF delivers typical communication field earnings without the debt burden that often makes these degrees questionable investments. For a family considering in-state options, this program offers a relatively low-risk path into media and communications work.
Where University of North Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Florida | $36,842 | $44,654 | +21% |
| The University of Tampa | $32,804 | $50,794 | +55% |
| Rollins College | $36,285 | $48,937 | +35% |
| Florida International University | $36,424 | $48,868 | +34% |
| DeVry University-Florida | $47,622 | $47,238 | -1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (36 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of North FloridaJacksonville | $6,389 | $36,842 | $44,654 | $17,345 | 0.47 |
 DeVry University-FloridaOrlando | $17,488 | $47,622 | $47,238 | $56,858 | 1.19 |
 Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville | $2,878 | $43,508 | — | — | — |
 Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFort Myers | $6,118 | $39,342 | $45,772 | $19,258 | 0.49 |
 University of Central FloridaOrlando | $6,368 | $37,021 | $38,915 | $21,854 | 0.59 |
 Ave Maria UniversityAve Maria | $28,222 | $36,842 | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
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 North Florida, approximately 31% 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 268 graduates with reported earnings and 232 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.