At $7,201/yr net price, Daytona State College graduates earn $37,096/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,096/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,201 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,804 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,096/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,096/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,809/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,569/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,706/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,271/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,441/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 | $63,600 | $12,781 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,916 | $11,222 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $49,019 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $20,206 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $42,682 | $5,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | $10,406 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,017 | $17,073 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $38,649 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $38,289 | $4,446 |
| Fire Protection. | Certificate | $38,289 |
The Risk Factor
41.2% of students at Daytona State College 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
Daytona State College delivers solid returns for specific career-focused programs but struggles with overall graduate outcomes. The low $7,201 annual net price makes it affordable, but the 41% graduation rate means many students leave without finishing their degrees.
Your financial success depends entirely on which program you choose. Nursing graduates earn $63,600 annually with manageable debt around $12,781, creating strong payback potential. Dental support services and allied health programs also generate decent returns with lower debt loads. Computer science offers reasonable earnings at $48,432, though the $20,206 debt load creates a longer payback period.
The college's location in Daytona Beach limits some career opportunities compared to major Florida metro areas. Many higher-paying positions require relocation after graduation, which could offset the school's affordability advantage.
You face significant completion risk here. The low graduation rate suggests academic support systems may be insufficient for many students. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, this creates financial danger since you could accumulate costs without earning a degree.
This school works best for motivated students targeting healthcare careers who can handle the academic demands independently. The nursing and allied health programs offer clear career paths with decent regional job markets. Avoid general studies or programs without specific career outcomes.
Only 34% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most qualify for minimal assistance beyond basic federal programs. Merit scholarships appear limited, so expect to rely primarily on the school's low sticker price rather than additional discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daytona State College worth the money?
Daytona State College offers strong value with a low net price of $7,201 per year and median debt of only $8,250. However, the 41% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $37,096 after 10 years are modest unless you enter high-paying programs like nursing.
What are the best paying programs at Daytona State College?
Nursing programs at Daytona State College lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making around $63,600 annually. Dental support services and computer science also pay well at $49,019 and $48,432 respectively, making these programs worth the investment.
How much debt will I have after Daytona State College?
Daytona State College graduates typically leave with just $8,250 in debt, which is very manageable compared to most colleges. The low debt combined with affordable tuition makes this school a financially safe choice even if earnings are moderate.
Does Daytona State College have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes at Daytona State College vary significantly by program, with nursing and healthcare fields offering strong career prospects. The overall graduation rate of 41% is concerning, but students who complete programs in high-demand fields like nursing typically find good employment.