At $35,448/yr net price, Florida Career College-Lauderdale Lakes graduates earn $28,928/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $35,448 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $141,792 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $28,928/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-5,072/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.9% |
| 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 | $35,659/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $32,942/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 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $26,353 | $28,285 |
| Public Health. | Associate | $22,874 | $20,000 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $21,761 | $10,313 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $19,306 | $9,500 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $15,511 | $9,500 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,488 | $11,718 |
The Risk Factor
42.9% of students at Florida Career College-Lauderdale Lakes 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-Lauderdale Lakes delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $28,928 failing to justify the $35,448 annual net price. Your investment will likely take decades to pay off given these numbers.
HVAC technology stands as the clear financial winner at this campus, producing graduates earning $33,565 with manageable debt of $9,500. This program aligns well with South Florida's year-round demand for air conditioning services and offers your best shot at positive ROI.
Nursing presents a troubling financial picture despite strong job demand in the region. Graduates earn just $26,353 while carrying $28,285 in debt, making this program a financial trap. Computer programs also underperform, with general computer science graduates earning $27,874 against $18,347 in debt.
The school's 43% graduation rate means you face significant risk of leaving with debt but no credential. Three out of five students fail to complete their programs, making this a high-stakes gamble with your education dollars.
You should consider this school only if you plan to pursue HVAC technology and cannot access similar training through community colleges or trade schools at lower cost. The financial aid participation rate of 75% suggests most students struggle to afford the high tuition without borrowing.
Look elsewhere if you want nursing or computer training. Community colleges in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area offer these programs at significantly lower costs with better completion rates and similar employment outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida Career College-Lauderdale Lakes worth the cost?
The numbers suggest poor value with graduates earning $28,928 annually after paying $35,448 per year for school. Only the HVAC program shows decent earning potential at $33,565, while most other programs lead to below-average wages.
What are the best paying programs at Florida Career College-Lauderdale Lakes?
HVAC technology offers the highest earnings at $33,565 annually, followed by general computer science at $27,874. Nursing and public health programs pay significantly less despite being popular career fields.
How much debt do Florida Career College-Lauderdale Lakes graduates have?
The median debt is relatively low at $9,500, but with average earnings of $28,928, graduates may still struggle to justify the investment. The low debt reflects the school's focus on shorter certificate programs rather than degrees.
What is the graduation rate at Florida Career College-Lauderdale Lakes?
Only 43% of students graduate, meaning most who enroll never finish their programs. Combined with below-average earnings for graduates, this creates significant financial risk for prospective students.