At $33,884/yr net price, Florida Career College-Houston graduates earn $28,928/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,884 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $135,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $28,928/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-5,072/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $33,952/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $32,887/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,841/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $39,664/yr |
| $110,001+ | $37,164/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $33,565 | $9,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $27,874 | $18,347 |
| Public Health. | Associate | $22,874 | $20,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $21,794 | $9,500 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $21,761 | $10,313 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $19,306 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
44.4% of students at Florida Career College-Houston 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
Florida Career College-Houston delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $28,928 barely covering the $33,884 annual net price. At current salary levels, you would struggle to afford loan payments while meeting basic living expenses in Houston's expensive market.
HVAC training stands out as the only financially viable program, generating $33,565 in median earnings with manageable $9,500 debt loads. This trades program aligns well with Houston's energy sector demand and hot climate. Skip the other offerings. Computer science graduates earn just $27,874 despite accumulating $18,347 in debt, while public health majors face the worst scenario with $22,874 earnings against $20,000 debt.
The 44% graduation rate signals significant completion risk, meaning you face a high chance of accumulating debt without finishing your program. Given that 73% of students receive financial aid, most families here rely heavily on loans and grants to cover costs.
This school makes financial sense only if you enroll in HVAC with a clear path to Houston-area employment. The strong local demand for skilled HVAC technicians in refineries, commercial buildings, and residential markets provides decent job security. For any other program, community college alternatives offer similar training at much lower costs with better debt-to-income ratios.
If you need career training quickly and can commit to HVAC work, Florida Career College-Houston can work financially. Everyone else should look at Houston Community College or other regional options that won't saddle you with debt that exceeds your likely earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida Career College-Houston worth the cost?
Florida Career College-Houston costs $33,884 per year but graduates earn only $28,928 annually after 10 years, making it a poor financial investment. With a 44% graduation rate, many students pay tuition without completing their programs.
Which programs at Florida Career College-Houston have the best ROI?
The HVAC program offers the strongest return with graduates earning $33,565, which covers the annual tuition cost. Most other programs like computer science ($27,874) and public health ($22,874) result in earnings below the yearly tuition price.
How much debt do Florida Career College-Houston students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to the high annual tuition. However, with low graduation rates and poor earnings outcomes, even this modest debt amount may be difficult to repay for many students.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Florida Career College-Houston?
Only 44% of students graduate, and those who do earn an average of $28,928 after 10 years. These earnings are below the annual cost of attendance, suggesting limited career advancement opportunities for most programs.