At $2,915/yr net price, Florida Gateway College graduates earn $37,894/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,894/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,915 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $11,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,894/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,894/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,992 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $960/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,312/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,216/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,346/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,174/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,401 | $8,440 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,424 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $32,162 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $30,228 | $7,276 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $14,627 | $5,550 |
The Risk Factor
56.6% of students at Florida Gateway 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 Gateway College delivers strong financial value with a net price under $3,000 annually and median debt of just $7,000. Your return depends heavily on your program choice, as earnings vary dramatically across majors.
Nursing programs provide the clearest path to financial success at Florida Gateway. Registered nursing graduates earn $54,000 annually with manageable debt of $8,400, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio. Practical nursing also performs well at $37,400 yearly. These healthcare programs align with North Central Florida's growing medical sector and aging population.
Liberal arts and general studies graduates face tougher financial outcomes, earning just $30,200 with similar debt levels to nursing students. Criminal justice pays $32,100, which may struggle to support loan payments comfortably. Allied health diagnostic programs fall in the middle at $34,000.
The 57% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. If you don't complete your degree, you'll carry debt without the earnings boost to justify it. Florida Gateway's low costs help minimize this downside compared to expensive private colleges.
This school works best if you're pursuing healthcare careers or need an affordable stepping stone to a four-year degree. The minimal debt burden makes it a safe choice for career changers or students uncertain about their long-term plans. Skip Florida Gateway if you're targeting high-paying fields not offered here, as the limited program selection constrains your earning potential despite the low costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida Gateway College worth the money?
Florida Gateway College offers solid value with a low net price of $2,915 per year and manageable debt levels around $7,000. However, the 57% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and median earnings of $37,894 after 10 years are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Florida Gateway College?
Nursing programs at Florida Gateway College provide the strongest returns, with registered nursing graduates earning around $54,400 annually. Practical nursing and allied health programs also offer decent prospects, while general studies and criminal justice programs lead to lower earnings around $30,000-32,000.
How much debt do Florida Gateway College students graduate with?
Florida Gateway College students graduate with relatively low debt, with a median of about $7,000. The low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Florida Gateway College?
Florida Gateway College has a 57% graduation rate, meaning about 4 in 10 students who enroll don't complete their programs. This completion rate is typical for community colleges but represents a significant risk for students who may accumulate debt without earning a credential.