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Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Florida

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Florida State College at Jacksonville stands out with a remarkable net cost of just $2,760 for Communication and Media Studies students, making it the most affordable option among 20 programs statewide. This creates a striking contrast with private institutions like The University of Tampa, where students pay $35,634 annually but earn the highest starting salaries at $39,592. The state's tourism industry, which generates over $130 billion annually, provides abundant internship and entry-level opportunities for media graduates in marketing, public relations, and digital content creation. Florida's public universities dominate the value proposition, with eight of the top ten most affordable programs housed within the state university system. The absence of state income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings compared to other states, while the Bright Futures scholarship program can cover full tuition for qualifying students at public institutions.
34
Programs
$2,760 – $40,289
Net Price Range
$31,442
Avg. Program Earnings
55.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

34 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,760 $27,476 $2,878 32.4%
2 $8,001 $33,103 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
3 $9,133 $35,372 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
4 $8,155 $27,346 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
5 $10,997 $36,291 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
6 $10,319 $33,993 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
7 $10,043 $32,925 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
8 $10,353 $33,459 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
9 $10,650 $28,462 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
10 $14,892 $20,140 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
11 $21,318 $25,194 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
12 $31,759 $37,208 $26,417 49.6%
13 $26,255 $29,685 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
14 $35,634 $39,592 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
15 $33,847 $36,368 $58,300 76.9% 50.0%
16 $32,751 $32,925 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
17 $33,011 $32,382 $50,374 67.6% 65.1%
18 $31,303 $24,035 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
19 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
20 $22,978 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
21 $21,007 $28,160 34.9% 55.1%
22 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
23 $19,733 $11,665 21.6% 57.7%
24 $23,655 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
25 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
26 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
27 $36,803 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
28 $29,664 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
29 $35,300 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
30 $22,527 $18,920 50.6% 71.7%
31 $29,951 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
32 $40,289 $42,304 67.4% 64.5%
33 $13,580 $14,878 28.0% 83.5%
34 $38,222 $42,950 52.7% 80.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Florida State College at Jacksonville such an strong value for communication students?

The college offers the lowest net cost in the state at $2,760, with in-state tuition of just $2,878. Graduates earn $27,476 annually, creating a strong return on investment despite the 32.40% graduation rate. The Jacksonville location provides access to major media markets and corporate headquarters without the higher costs associated with Miami or Tampa programs.

How do private university communication programs compare to public options in terms of value?

Private institutions charge significantly more, with costs ranging from $14,892 at Bethune-Cookman to $35,634 at The University of Tampa. However, graduates from high-cost private programs often see higher earnings, with Tampa graduates earning $39,592 annually. The debt burden averages $25,000 at private schools compared to $17,000 at public universities, making the financial trade-off less clear-cut.

Where do communication graduates find the best job opportunities in Florida?

Miami and Tampa lead in media job concentration, with major television networks, advertising agencies, and corporate communications departments. Orlando benefits from theme park marketing divisions and sports media, while Jacksonville offers opportunities in healthcare communications and financial services marketing. The state's tourism industry alone employs thousands of communication professionals across public relations, social media, and content marketing roles.

Does the Bright Futures scholarship significantly impact program affordability?

The scholarship can cover full tuition at public universities for students meeting academic requirements, reducing costs to room, board, and fees only. At Florida State University, this means qualified students pay around $5,656 instead of the full cost of attendance. The program makes expensive out-of-state alternatives less attractive for Florida residents with strong high school records.

Is the 25.04% acceptance rate at Florida State University worth the selectivity for communication students?

FSU communication graduates earn $36,291 annually with an 83% graduation rate, among the highest outcomes in the state. The selective admissions process correlates with stronger alumni networks and internship connections in Tallahassee's government and media sectors. Students who gain admission benefit from the university's established relationships with major Florida media companies and political organizations.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.