At $34,275/yr net price, Florida Career College-Miami graduates earn $28,928/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $34,275 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $137,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $28,928/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-5,072/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.8% |
| 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 | $34,126/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $33,122/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $36,073/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $38,788/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 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $26,151 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $23,262 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Certificate | $22,984 | |
| Public Health. | Associate | $22,874 | $20,000 |
| Public Health. | Certificate | $22,455 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $21,794 | $9,500 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $21,761 | $10,313 |
The Risk Factor
45.8% of students at Florida Career College-Miami 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-Miami delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its high costs. With a net price of $34,275 annually and median graduate earnings of just $28,928, you'll face immediate negative cash flow after graduation.
HVAC stands out as the only program worth your investment, generating $33,565 in median earnings with manageable debt of $9,500. This technical training aligns well with Miami's construction boom and year-round cooling demands. Computer sciences offers moderate earning potential at $27,874 but saddles you with $18,347 in debt. Nursing presents the worst financial picture despite strong job demand, paying only $26,353 while requiring $28,285 in loans.
The school's 45.8% graduation rate creates additional risk since nearly half of students pay tuition without completing their programs. This completion problem compounds the already challenging debt-to-income ratios across most majors.
You should consider this school only if you're pursuing HVAC and need the specific technical certifications employers in South Florida recognize. The hands-on training and industry connections may justify the investment in this single program area.
Look elsewhere if you're interested in healthcare administration, general computer studies, or nursing. Community colleges offer similar programs at lower costs with better debt-to-income outcomes. The school's financial aid covers 73.77% of students, but this high participation rate reflects the expensive tuition rather than generous aid packages.
Your financial strategy should focus on minimizing debt through payment plans or employer sponsorship, particularly given the weak earning potential across most programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida Career College-Miami worth the cost?
With a net price of $34,275 per year and median earnings of only $28,928 ten years after graduation, Florida Career College-Miami generally does not provide positive return on investment. Most graduates earn less than what they paid annually for their education.
Which programs at Florida Career College-Miami have the best job prospects?
The HVAC program offers the strongest earning potential at $33,565 annually, making it the only program that exceeds the school's annual cost. Computer sciences and nursing programs pay significantly less despite similar tuition costs.
What is the graduation rate at Florida Career College-Miami?
Florida Career College-Miami has a 45.8% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students who enroll never complete their program. This low completion rate increases the financial risk for prospective students.
How much debt do Florida Career College-Miami graduates typically have?
The median debt for Florida Career College-Miami graduates is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to the annual program cost. However, given the low earning potential of most programs, even this debt level may be difficult to repay.