At $34,536/yr net price, Florida Career College-West Palm Beach graduates earn $28,928/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $34,536 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $138,144 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $28,928/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-5,072/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.1% |
| 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 | $34,429/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,167/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $36,143/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $39,731/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 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,488 | $11,718 |
The Risk Factor
51.1% of students at Florida Career College-West Palm Beach 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-West Palm Beach delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $28,928 falling well short of the $34,536 annual net price. The debt-to-income ratio makes this investment financially risky for the majority of programs offered.
HVAC stands out as the only program worth pursuing financially, with graduates earning $33,565 while carrying just $9,500 in debt. This trade-focused program aligns well with South Florida's year-round demand for climate control specialists and offers a realistic path to positive ROI within a reasonable timeframe.
Computer programs present mixed results. General computer science graduates earn $27,874 but carry $18,347 in debt, creating a challenging debt burden. Computer engineering technology graduates face even worse prospects at $21,761 with $10,313 in debt. Both programs struggle to compete with earnings potential at traditional four-year institutions or other technical schools in the region.
Healthcare administration and public health programs show concerning financial outcomes. Public health graduates earn just $22,874 while carrying $20,000 in debt, making loan repayment difficult. Healthcare administration pays slightly less at $21,794, though the lower $9,500 debt load makes it more manageable.
The 51% graduation rate adds another layer of risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt without the credential needed for career advancement.
This school works financially only if you pursue HVAC and can complete the program efficiently. Students interested in healthcare or computer fields should explore community colleges or four-year universities that offer better earning potential relative to costs. The high net price combined with modest graduate earnings makes this a poor choice for most career changers or recent high school graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida Career College-West Palm Beach worth the cost?
Florida Career College-West Palm Beach has poor return on investment, with graduates earning just $28,928 ten years after enrollment despite a net price of $34,536 per year. Only the HVAC program shows decent earning potential at $33,565.
What are the best paying programs at Florida Career College-West Palm Beach?
HVAC technology is the only program at Florida Career College-West Palm Beach that pays well, with graduates earning $33,565. Computer science and health programs typically earn $21,000-$27,000, which may not justify the high tuition costs.
How much student debt do Florida Career College-West Palm Beach graduates have?
Florida Career College-West Palm Beach graduates have a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively low compared to many for-profit schools. However, with low graduate earnings of under $29,000, even this modest debt load can be challenging to repay.
What is the graduation rate at Florida Career College-West Palm Beach?
Florida Career College-West Palm Beach has a 51% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their programs. Combined with low post-graduation earnings, this creates significant financial risk for students who don't finish.