Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $41,923
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,081
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 29:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $75/mo
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 | $81,997 | $10,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $55,770 | $4,892 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,151 | $8,750 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $51,273 | $10,150 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,432 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | $11,250 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $38,829 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $37,424 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $36,674 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,132 | $4,025 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,039 | $12,052 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,420 | $6,014 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $31,941 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $30,771 |
Outcomes Overview
Palm Beach State graduates earn a median of $41,923 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of just $75. The debt-to-earnings ratio sits at a manageable 17%, well below the national average of 25% for community college graduates. Monthly payments consume only 2.2% of typical graduate income, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career advancement in Florida. The 92.3% employment rate reflects strong job market connections in South Florida's healthcare, hospitality, and business sectors. Many graduates transfer to four-year universities or enter middle-skill jobs in growing fields like nursing and information technology. This represents a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable career preparation.