At $5,154/yr net price, Pasco-Hernando State College graduates earn $39,903/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,903/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,154 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,616 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,903/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,903/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,535 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,723/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,519/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,603/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,652/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,714/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 | $64,990 | $18,546 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,779 | $11,162 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $48,432 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,054 | $6,500 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,959 | $8,125 |
The Risk Factor
42.9% of students at Pasco-Hernando 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
Pasco-Hernando State College delivers strong financial returns for healthcare students but weak outcomes for most other majors. The nursing programs stand out with graduates earning $58,000 to $65,000 annually, making the $11,000 to $18,500 debt loads manageable. Dental support services also perform well at $48,432 per year.
Beyond healthcare, the financial picture deteriorates rapidly. Legal support services graduates earn just $25,194 annually, creating a poor debt-to-income ratio even with the school's low costs. The overall median earnings of $39,903 reflect this divide between strong healthcare programs and weak alternatives.
The 42.9% graduation rate signals completion risk, particularly concerning given that nearly 30% of students receive financial aid. Your $5,154 annual net price keeps debt manageable, but only if you finish and enter a high-paying field.
You should consider PHSC if you plan to study nursing or dental services and want affordable healthcare training in the Tampa Bay area. The regional healthcare job market supports these programs well. Avoid this school if you're considering legal support services or other non-healthcare majors, where you'll likely struggle financially after graduation.
The school's community college roots show in its limited merit scholarship opportunities, but the low sticker price compensates. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisites here before transferring to a four-year institution, unless you're committed to one of the strong healthcare programs that justify staying through completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pasco-Hernando State College worth the money?
With a net price of $5,154 per year and median debt of just $9,535, Pasco-Hernando State College offers solid value for students who complete their programs. The nursing programs show strong returns with graduates earning $58,000-$65,000 annually, though other programs like legal support services lead to lower earnings around $25,000.
What is the ROI for Pasco-Hernando State College graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $39,903 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable given the low cost and debt levels. Your ROI depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing and dental support fields offering much better financial returns than general studies or legal support services.
How much debt will I have after Pasco-Hernando State College?
The median debt is $9,535, which is quite manageable compared to four-year colleges. However, only 43% of students graduate, so there's significant risk of taking on debt without completing a credential.
Which programs at Pasco-Hernando State College have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs offer the strongest financial outcomes, with graduates earning $58,000-$65,000 annually. Dental support services and allied health programs also provide solid returns, while legal support services lead to lower earnings around $25,000 per year.