Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $26,422/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-7,578/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,403 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $22,964 | $6,636 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $22,192 | $7,253 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $22,071 | $6,831 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $16,786 | $6,476 |
The Risk Factor
72.2% of students at Daytona College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Daytona College delivers weak financial returns with median earnings of just $26,422 ten years after graduation. This puts graduates well below national averages and raises serious questions about affordability even with relatively low debt levels.
The health and medical administrative services programs represent your best earning potential at around $25,000 annually, though this still falls short of what you could earn with similar training at community colleges. Cosmetology and allied health programs cluster around $22,000 in median earnings. The somatic bodywork program shows concerning returns at under $17,000 annually, making loan repayment challenging despite modest debt loads.
Your primary financial risk lies in the narrow earning potential across all programs. Even the highest-paying majors here struggle to justify four years of education when comparable career training exists elsewhere at lower cost. The 72% graduation rate suggests completion challenges that could leave you with debt but no degree.
This school makes financial sense only if you need the specific flexibility of their program delivery or have substantial financial aid that covers most costs. If you're paying full price or taking loans, you should explore community college alternatives for healthcare training or state schools for broader career options.
With nearly 58% of students receiving aid, focus heavily on grant money rather than loans. The low median debt of $7,403 suggests either strong aid packages or students borrowing minimally. If you cannot secure significant grant aid, the weak earning potential makes borrowing risky even at these modest levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daytona College worth the cost?
Daytona College graduates earn a median of $26,422 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With relatively low debt of $7,403 and a decent 72% graduation rate, the financial risk is manageable but the earning potential remains limited.
What programs at Daytona College have the best ROI?
Health and Medical Administrative Services offers the highest earnings at around $25,194, followed closely by similar health programs in the $22,000 range. Somatic Bodywork programs show the lowest returns at $16,786, making them less financially viable options.
How much debt do Daytona College students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Daytona College graduates is $7,403, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. This lower debt burden helps offset the below-average earnings, though graduates still face limited income growth potential.
Does Daytona College provide good value for healthcare career training?
Daytona College's health administration and medical assisting programs produce earnings in the low $20,000s, which is typical for entry-level healthcare support roles. The low debt makes these programs financially reasonable, though career advancement may be limited without additional education.