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 is cheap to attend and light on debt, but the payoff after graduation is thin. You leave with a net price under $3,000 a year and median debt below $7,000, which is far less than most four-year students borrow. The problem is what comes next: median earnings ten years out sit under $38,000, roughly the pay of an entry-level job that never required the degree in the first place.
That combination makes the financial return mixed. Low cost protects you from the worst outcome, deep debt with no job. But low earnings mean the degree itself isn't lifting you far. If you finish, you probably won't be buried in loans, yet you also shouldn't expect a salary that transforms your finances. The 56.6% graduation rate adds the real risk here: nearly half of students don't finish, and if you're in that group, you carry whatever debt you took on without the credential that justifies it.
The net price tiers are the strongest reason to enroll if your family income is low. Under $30,000, you pay about $960 a year. Between $30,000 and $48,000, it's $2,312. Above $110,000, you're closer to $11,000, and at that point the modest earnings outcome deserves harder scrutiny before you commit.
This school fits you if you're paying little out of pocket, live near Lake City, and want an affordable path to finishing without heavy borrowing. Look elsewhere if you're counting on the degree alone to produce a high salary, or if you'd be paying the top-tier net price for an earnings result that doesn't clear $38,000.
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.