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 keeps your costs low, and that shapes the whole financial picture. You borrow a median of $8,000 to graduate, less than the price of a single year, and the median net price sits near $8,000 annually. That debt load is small enough that even a modest paycheck clears it, which is the school's main strength.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays $64,919 ten years out, roughly $21,000 more than the median across all FSW graduates, and the $11,250 debt for that program pays back fast against those earnings. Homeland security and protective services follow at $50,856. Both beat the school-wide median and justify their cost.
The teacher education programs land in the low-to-mid $40,000s, and business administration sits at the bottom at $39,729 while carrying the highest program debt at $14,051. If business is your plan, you pay more to borrow and earn less than nursing grads by about $25,000 a year. That combination makes it the weakest bet on this list.
The real risk is finishing. The 38.5% graduation rate means most students who enroll do not complete on time, and the low costs above only apply if you leave with a credential. Debt without a degree is where this school hurts you.
Your net price climbs sharply with income. Under $30k, you pay about $6,953. over $110k, you pay $14,458, more than double. Lower-income families get the strongest deal here.
This school fits you if you want nursing or protective services, live in the Fort Myers area, and can commit to finishing. If you are chasing high business or management salaries, or you doubt you will graduate, the math works less in your favor.
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.