Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at University of South Florida

USF's communications program graduates are earning about $5,700 less than Florida's state median for this degree—a significant gap that places them in the bottom half of Florida programs and the bottom fifth nationally. While the relatively low debt load of $17,000 is better than most programs, it doesn't offset the earnings shortfall. For comparison, University of Florida and Florida State graduates in this field start around $42,000—roughly 25% higher with similar debt levels.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 looks manageable on paper, but context matters: you're borrowing half a year's salary to earn below-average pay in a competitive field. Within Florida's 23 communications programs, landing at the 40th percentile means most alternatives offer better financial outcomes. The $34,000 starting salary translates to roughly $2,800 monthly before taxes—tight for Tampa's rising cost of living, especially when servicing student loans.

For families seeking return on investment in communications, this program trails too many Florida alternatives. Unless your student has compelling non-financial reasons to choose USF—specific faculty connections, geographic necessity, or unique program features—the in-state flagship or Florida State would deliver meaningfully better earning potential with comparable debt. The numbers suggest looking elsewhere within Florida's public system first.