At $22,527/yr net price, Florida College graduates earn $43,445/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,445/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,527 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,108 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,445/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,445/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,372/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,449/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,747/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,757/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,579/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $18,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $27,295 | $17,653 |
The Risk Factor
50.6% of students at Florida College 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 College gives you a modest financial return with real risk attached. Ten years out, your median earnings sit below what many state-school graduates earn, and the net price is high for a private school with these outcomes. The upside is low debt: a $12,000 median means you likely leave without a crushing loan balance, which softens the blow of the middling paychecks.
The program picture is weak across the board. The three bachelor's programs with reported earnings all pay under what a full-time worker at a decent hourly wage would make. Teacher education leads, but a teaching salary is not a path to fast loan payoff. Business administration and liberal arts pay less and carry higher debt loads than the teaching track, so you would borrow more to earn less. None of these degrees points to a strong regional payoff in the Tampa job market.
The main risk is the gap between what you pay and what you earn. Paying over $22,000 a year to reach median earnings in the low $40,000s means the math only works if you keep borrowing low and finish. With a 50.6% graduation rate, there is a real chance you pay for years without a degree, which is the worst financial outcome here.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. Under $30,000 in family income, your price drops to about $12,000, roughly half the sticker. Above $110,000, you pay close to $27,600, and the return does not justify that.
This school fits you if you qualify for the lower price tiers, plan to teach, and value a small private setting over earnings. If you need a degree to pay off fast or you would pay the top tier, look at a public university instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Florida College's graduates earn $43,445 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $22,527 per year and a 50% graduation rate, the return on investment is weak compared to most four-year institutions.
What are the best paying majors at Florida College?
Teacher education graduates from Florida College earn around $37,208, while business majors average $30,771. Liberal arts graduates see the lowest returns at $27,295, making these programs financially risky given the cost of attendance.
How much debt do Florida College students graduate with?
Florida College graduates have a median debt of $12,000, which is lower than many schools. However, with starting salaries around $43,445, even this modest debt load represents a significant burden relative to earning potential.
Should I attend Florida College if I want to be a teacher?
Florida College's education program leads to salaries of $37,208, which is typical for teaching but creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio. The school's 50% graduation rate also means high dropout risk, potentially leaving students with debt but no degree.