At $5,554/yr net price, Northwest Florida State College graduates earn $39,664/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,664/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,554 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,216 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,664/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,664/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,932 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,595/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,959/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,147/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,714/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,521/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 | $62,747 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,984 | $7,532 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,009 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $36,745 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,745 | $7,495 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,381 | $11,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,958 | $5,500 |
The Risk Factor
42.9% of students at Northwest Florida State 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
Northwest Florida State College delivers strong financial value with a rock-bottom net price of $5,554 annually and manageable debt loads under $8,000 for most graduates. The 42% graduation rate creates risk, but completers face minimal financial burden.
Nursing programs dominate the earnings picture, with registered nursing graduates earning $62,747 and $53,984 depending on specialization. These programs justify the investment given Northwest Florida's healthcare job market and aging population. Allied health diagnostic programs offer middle-ground returns at $39,009, while business administration and criminal justice both plateau around $36,745.
The school works best for career-focused students targeting specific vocational outcomes, particularly in healthcare. Nursing students should expect the strongest financial returns. Business and criminal justice majors face earnings barely above regional averages despite completion of four-year programs.
Your biggest financial risk is non-completion given the 42% graduation rate. Students struggling with academic preparation or lacking clear career direction may find better value at other institutions with stronger support systems. The low aid percentage suggests most students pay close to sticker price, making the affordable base cost critical.
This college suits students who need local access to nursing and allied health training without taking on significant debt. If you can complete a nursing program here, the financial outcome is excellent. For other majors, weigh the modest earnings against your career goals and consider whether the relatively weak graduation rate signals potential completion challenges for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest Florida State College worth the cost?
At $5,554 per year with median debt of only $7,932, Northwest Florida State College offers strong value for the price. However, the 42.9% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at Northwest Florida State College?
Nursing programs at Northwest Florida State College lead in earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $53,000-$62,000 annually. Business and criminal justice programs pay considerably less at about $36,700.
How much debt do Northwest Florida State College graduates have?
Northwest Florida State College graduates carry a median debt of $7,932, which is relatively low for higher education. The low net price of $5,554 annually helps keep borrowing minimal.
What salary can I expect after graduating from Northwest Florida State College?
Northwest Florida State College graduates earn a median of $39,664 ten years after enrollment. This varies significantly by program, with nursing majors earning $20,000+ more than business or criminal justice graduates.