At $29,664/yr net price, Florida Southern College graduates earn $55,294/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,294/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,664 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $118,656 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,294/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,294/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,266/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,913/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,634/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,479/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,331/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. | Master | $97,959 | $55,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,020 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $27,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,846 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $45,383 | $40,306 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,030 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,821 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $23,250 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $37,928 | $25,710 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $22,875 |
The Risk Factor
69.3% of students at Florida Southern College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Florida Southern College delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing programs standing out as clear winners while education majors face concerning debt-to-income ratios. The school's $29,664 annual net price positions it in the middle range for private colleges, but your major choice will largely determine whether you get good value.
Nursing graduates earn the strongest returns, with some programs reaching nearly $98,000 annually. Business administration and computer science also provide solid earning potential above $59,000. However, education majors face a troubling scenario with median debt of $40,306 leading to salaries of just $45,383, creating a challenging repayment burden in Florida's competitive teaching market.
The 69% graduation rate signals retention challenges that could leave you with debt but no degree. Combined with a 78% first-year retention rate, these numbers suggest academic or financial pressures cause many students to leave before finishing.
Florida Southern works best for students targeting high-earning programs like nursing or business who can leverage the school's regional connections in Central Florida's growing healthcare and business sectors. The relatively low 26% of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, making this school more suitable for families who can afford the full cost or qualify for merit scholarships.
Avoid Florida Southern if you're planning to major in education or other lower-earning fields where the debt load outweighs potential income. The school's location in Lakeland provides reasonable access to Tampa and Orlando job markets, but you'll need to ensure your program aligns with regional employment opportunities to justify the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida Southern College worth the money?
Florida Southern College's $29,664 annual net price leads to median earnings of $55,294 after 10 years, which is modest for a private college. The 69% graduation rate and $25,000 median debt load suggest reasonable value, but returns depend heavily on your major.
What are the highest paying majors at Florida Southern College?
Nursing programs at Florida Southern College offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning nearly $98,000 annually. Business administration and computer science graduates earn around $60,000, while education majors see lower returns at $45,000.
How much debt do Florida Southern College graduates have?
Florida Southern College graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With average post-graduation earnings of $55,294, most graduates can handle this debt load reasonably well.
Does Florida Southern College have good job placement after graduation?
Florida Southern College's 69% graduation rate indicates that about one-third of students don't finish their degree, which affects overall value. The college performs best for nursing and healthcare programs, where job demand is strong in Florida.