At $33,485/yr net price, Florida Career College-Margate graduates earn $28,928/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,485 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $133,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $28,928/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-5,072/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.2% |
| 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 | $33,208/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,027/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $36,654/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,423/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 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $15,511 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
57.2% of students at Florida Career College-Margate 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-Margate delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the costs. With median earnings of $28,928 ten years after graduation and annual net costs of $33,485, you face a fundamental math problem where your degree costs more than your expected first-year salary.
HVAC technology stands as the clear exception, generating $33,565 in median earnings with only $9,500 in debt. This program offers the school's strongest path to positive returns. Computer and Information Sciences falls short at $27,874 in earnings but carries $18,347 in debt, creating a challenging payback period. Public Health and Health Administration programs show weak earning potential below $23,000 annually, making the debt burden particularly problematic.
The 57% graduation rate adds significant risk to your investment. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, typically still carrying debt without the credential needed for career advancement. This completion risk compounds the already challenging earnings outlook.
You should consider this school only if you plan to enter the HVAC program and can secure substantial financial aid. The 69% of students receiving aid suggests opportunities exist, but you need to push for grants rather than loans. For other programs, community colleges offer similar training at much lower costs with better debt-to-income ratios.
Skip this school entirely if you're considering computer science or health administration programs. The debt levels relative to earning potential create financial stress that can last decades. Your money works harder at public institutions or community colleges offering comparable technical training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida Career College-Margate worth the cost?
Florida Career College-Margate's net price of $33,485 per year leads to median earnings of just $28,928 after 10 years, making it a poor financial investment for most students. Only the HVAC program shows earnings that come close to justifying the cost.
What are the best paying programs at Florida Career College-Margate?
HVAC technology is the only program at Florida Career College-Margate that offers decent earnings potential at $33,565 annually. Computer and information sciences graduates earn $27,874, while public health and health administration programs lead to much lower salaries in the low $20,000s.
How much debt do Florida Career College-Margate graduates have?
Florida Career College-Margate graduates carry a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively low compared to the school's annual cost. However, with most programs leading to earnings below $30,000, even this debt level can be difficult to manage.
What is the graduation rate at Florida Career College-Margate?
Florida Career College-Margate has a 57% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students who enroll never finish their programs. This adds significant risk to an already questionable return on investment.