At $12,310/yr net price, College of Central Florida graduates earn $38,203/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,203/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,310 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,240 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,203/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,203/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,407/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,368/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,396/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,654/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,950/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. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $26,571 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,471 | $14,764 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,074 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,850 | $24,238 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,353 | $14,792 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,076 | $9,620 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
44.0% of students at College of Central Florida graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
College of Central Florida delivers weak ROI for most students, with median earnings of just $38,203 ten years after enrollment despite reasonable costs. The 44% graduation rate means over half of students never finish their degrees, making this a high-risk investment for many.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $56,000 to $64,000 annually. These programs justify their higher debt loads and offer strong job prospects in Florida's healthcare market. Teacher education provides modest returns at $39,074, suitable if you plan to stay in Florida's lower-cost regions.
Business administration graduates earn just $33,850 while carrying $24,238 in debt, making this program a poor financial choice. Allied health programs also underperform at $32,925 annually.
Your biggest risk is not graduating. With less than half of students completing degrees, you need strong academic preparation and clear motivation before enrolling. The low completion rate suggests inadequate student support systems.
This school works financially if you pursue nursing and can handle the academic demands. The $12,310 net price keeps costs manageable, and the $13,000 median debt load remains reasonable. However, if you're considering business or general programs, other Florida colleges offer better earning potential.
With only 40% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Focus on completing your degree quickly to minimize costs and maximize your investment return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Central Florida worth the cost?
College of Central Florida offers strong value for nursing students, with graduates earning $56,000-$64,000 annually, but other programs show weaker returns with overall graduate earnings of $38,203 per year. The low net price of $12,310 and median debt of $13,000 help offset the modest earnings for non-nursing majors.
What programs at College of Central Florida have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at College of Central Florida provide the strongest career outcomes, with graduates earning $56,000-$64,000 annually. Business and allied health programs show more modest returns around $33,000-$39,000, while education majors earn about $39,000.
How much student debt do College of Central Florida graduates typically have?
College of Central Florida graduates leave with a median debt of $13,000, which is relatively manageable compared to four-year institutions. However, the 44% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does College of Central Florida provide good financial aid?
College of Central Florida keeps costs low with a net price of $12,310 per year after aid. The affordable tuition structure makes it accessible, though students should focus on high-demand programs like nursing to maximize their return on investment.