This article presents the results of a study about family communication regarding academic performance and college students, in order to formulate a theory of social communication and pedagogical value and an appropriate model for communication competence for cultural development in the Colombian Caribbean. The study examined the results of the analysis of the categories: family communication in teaching - learning process; personal, social and institutional factors involved in academic performance; university; behavior and expectations of the family; and interaction among education, college, family and society. The analysis was carried out through an interpretative methodological procedure that is generated through the discussion groups made up of students and parents, and interviews to teachers and experts from academic programs at the Universidad del Sinu, Monteria, Colombia. The comprehension of the elements of the communicative process of the fundamental theory, linked to the discussion, interpretation and reflexive analysis of the hermeneutical units showed a comprehension process among family communication, academic performance and socio-cultural development.