At $8,249/yr net price, Florida SouthWestern State College graduates earn $43,421/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,421/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,249 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,996 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,421/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,953/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,787/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,002/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,126/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,458/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. | Bachelor | $64,919 | $11,250 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $58,221 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,800 | $9,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,107 | $9,000 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | Bachelor | $50,856 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $45,305 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,961 | $10,519 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $40,485 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $14,051 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,771 |
The Risk Factor
38.5% of students at Florida SouthWestern State College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Florida SouthWestern State College delivers solid financial value for specific career paths, but your major choice determines everything. The school's nursing programs stand out with graduates earning $57,800 to $64,919 annually while carrying manageable debt loads under $12,000. Dental support services also pay well at $58,221, making FSW's health programs the clear financial winners.
Your biggest risk lies in the 38% graduation rate, which means nearly two-thirds of students never finish their degrees. This creates a high probability of debt without credentials, particularly problematic for programs outside healthcare. The low median earnings of $43,421 across all graduates suggests many programs lead to limited career advancement.
FSW works financially if you can commit to completing a healthcare program and have the academic preparation to succeed. The $8,249 annual net price keeps costs reasonable, and the $8,000 median debt load remains manageable for nursing graduates earning $50,000-plus. Students targeting general education, liberal arts, or uncertain career paths face poor odds given the graduation rates.
Financial aid reaches only 34% of students, indicating limited need-based support. Focus on completing prerequisites at FSW before transferring to a four-year institution, or pursue the nursing track if you meet admission requirements. Avoid enrolling without a clear healthcare career goal or strong academic foundation, as the graduation statistics work against unfocused students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida SouthWestern State College worth the money?
Florida SouthWestern State College offers solid value with a low net price of $8,249 per year and manageable debt averaging $8,000. However, the 38% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts return on investment.
What programs at Florida SouthWestern State College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning around $65,000 annually, followed by dental support services at $58,000. These healthcare programs justify the cost, while other majors may struggle to provide strong returns given the low graduation rate.
How much debt do Florida SouthWestern State College graduates have?
Graduates typically carry $8,000 in debt, which is relatively low for college. The bigger financial risk comes from not graduating at all, which happens to over 60% of students who start at Florida SouthWestern State College.
Do Florida SouthWestern State College graduates make good money?
Graduates earn $43,421 ten years after starting college, which is decent for a community college. Healthcare program graduates earn significantly more, but this average includes only those who actually completed their degrees.