At $2,254/yr net price, Pensacola State College graduates earn $36,739/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,739/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,254 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $9,016 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,739/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,739/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,650/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,874/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,754/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,629/yr |
| $110,001+ | $5,924/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. | Associate | $50,981 | $8,434 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,342 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $34,847 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $34,704 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $34,348 | $7,250 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $31,133 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $30,409 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,250 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $28,055 |
The Risk Factor
42.0% of students at Pensacola 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
Pensacola State College delivers strong value with a net price under $2,300 annually, making it one of Florida's most affordable higher education options. Your return on investment centers heavily on program choice, with nursing graduates earning over $50,000 annually against median debt of just $8,434.
The college's healthcare programs dominate the earnings environment. Registered nursing leads at $50,981, followed by allied health and medical assisting at $41,342. Dental support services graduates earn $38,289, all well above the school's overall median of $36,739. These programs align perfectly with Northwest Florida's growing healthcare sector and military medical facilities.
The 42% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face real odds of leaving without a degree, though the low cost limits your downside. Students who complete healthcare programs see strong returns, while other majors show weaker earning potential.
This school works best if you're pursuing healthcare careers and want minimal debt. The combination of low tuition, strong healthcare job placement, and proximity to major medical employers creates solid financial outcomes for focused students. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive student support services or want prestige, as the graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish.
With only 35% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the already-low sticker price. Merit scholarships exist but are limited. Your best cost strategy is completing your program quickly in a high-earning field like nursing, where the debt-to-income ratio stays manageable and regional job demand remains strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pensacola State College worth the money?
At $2,254 per year, Pensacola State College offers one of the lowest net costs in Florida. With median debt of just $7,500 and strong earnings in nursing programs ($51,000), it provides good value for students who graduate.
What are the highest paying programs at Pensacola State College?
Nursing programs at Pensacola State College lead to the best salaries, with registered nursing graduates earning around $51,000 annually. Allied health programs also perform well, with most graduates earning $35,000-$41,000.
What is the graduation rate at Pensacola State College?
Pensacola State College has a 42% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges. Students who don't complete their programs miss out on the higher earnings that come with graduation.
How much debt do Pensacola State College graduates have?
Pensacola State College graduates have a median debt of $7,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost and debt load make this school a lower-risk option for career training.