At $9,832/yr net price, Palm Beach State College graduates earn $41,923/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,923/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,832 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,328 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,923/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,923/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,081 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,862/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,567/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,376/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,504/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,057/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
41.2% of students at Palm Beach 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
Palm Beach State College keeps costs low, and that shapes everything about your financial picture here. At under $10k a year in net price with a median debt of about $7,000, you graduate owing less than most students carry on a single car loan. That low debt is the core of the value here, because the median earnings ten years out sit close to $42k, which is modest.
Your major decides whether this school pays off. Nursing is the clear winner. Nurses out-earn business graduates by more than double, and they do it while borrowing only a few hundred dollars more. If you can get into the nursing program, the math is strong: high pay in a Florida region with steady hospital and elder-care demand, low debt, and a credential that travels. Computer and IT management lands in the middle at $51k. Business administration is the weak spot. At $36k with the highest debt of the three tracks, it pays below the school's own median, so treat it carefully.
The main risk is completion. Fewer than half of students finish, and the low debt only protects you if you graduate. If you leave partway through, you get the loan without the credential and the earnings that justify it.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $30k, you pay roughly half what a family over $110k pays for the same year, so the aid formula works hardest for you.
This school fits you if you want nursing or a low-cost transfer path and can commit to finishing. If you plan to major in business and expect strong pay, look at the earnings numbers first and consider other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palm Beach State College worth the cost?
Palm Beach State College offers solid value with a low net price of $9,832 annually and typical debt of just $7,081. However, the 41% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts overall ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at Palm Beach State College?
Nursing programs at Palm Beach State College lead to the strongest earnings, with graduates earning around $82,000 annually. Criminal justice and IT programs also perform well, with mid-career salaries in the $50,000+ range.
How much debt do Palm Beach State College graduates typically have?
Palm Beach State College graduates carry relatively low debt loads, with a median of $7,081. This manageable debt level makes the investment less risky compared to four-year institutions.
What is the job market like for Palm Beach State College graduates?
Palm Beach State College graduates earn a median of $41,923 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. The nursing and healthcare programs offer the best job prospects and salary potential in the local market.