At $32,105/yr net price, City College-Altamonte Springs graduates earn $35,994/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,994/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,105 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $128,420 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,994/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,994/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 64.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,208 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $33,605/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,105/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,019 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $35,701 | $24,535 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $26,933 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $26,353 | $25,029 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $23,649 |
The Risk Factor
75.0% of students at City College-Altamonte Springs graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
City College-Altamonte Springs delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $36,000 annually against a steep net price of $32,000 per year. The math creates a challenging payback period that leaves many graduates financially strained.
Nursing stands out as the only program with solid earning potential at $49,000 annually, making it the clear financial winner at this campus. However, allied health programs that dominate enrollment show weak returns, with medical assisting graduates earning just $26,000 while carrying $25,000 in debt. Legal support services graduates face similar struggles at $27,000 in earnings.
The school's 75% graduation rate appears respectable, but completing your program here doesn't guarantee financial success. Health administration graduates earn particularly low wages at $23,600, creating serious concerns about loan repayment capacity in Florida's competitive job market.
You should only consider this college if you're committed to the nursing program and can secure substantial financial aid. The 55% of students receiving aid suggests some discount opportunities exist, though the high net price indicates limited relief for most families.
Skip this school if you're interested in medical assisting, health administration, or legal support programs. Community colleges offer similar training at much lower costs with better debt-to-income ratios. The premium price here doesn't translate to premium outcomes for most career paths.
Your best strategy involves aggressive scholarship hunting if nursing appeals to you, or looking elsewhere entirely for other healthcare programs where the return on investment makes more financial sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City College-Altamonte Springs worth the cost?
City College-Altamonte Springs has a high net price of $32,105 per year but graduates earn only $35,994 after 10 years, making the return on investment below average. The nursing programs offer better earning potential at $49,019, but other programs lead to salaries that barely exceed the annual tuition cost.
What are the best paying programs at City College-Altamonte Springs?
Registered Nursing and nursing-related programs at City College-Altamonte Springs offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $49,019 annually. Other health programs pay significantly less, with medical assisting averaging just $26,353 and health administration at $23,649.
How much debt do City College-Altamonte Springs graduates have?
City College-Altamonte Springs graduates leave with a median debt of $23,208, which is manageable compared to the school's high annual costs. However, many programs lead to starting salaries that make repayment challenging, especially outside of nursing fields.
Does City College-Altamonte Springs have good job placement rates?
City College-Altamonte Springs has a 75% graduation rate, but earning data shows many graduates struggle financially after completion. The school's focus on healthcare creates opportunities in nursing, but other programs show poor salary outcomes relative to the investment required.