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 costs almost nothing to attend and gets you out with light debt, but the earnings on the other end are thin. A net price near $2,254 a year and median debt of $7,500 mean you graduate owing about a quarter of what a single year of median earnings brings in. That is the strong part of the picture. The weak part is that median earnings sit at $36,739 ten years out, which is barely above what many jobs in the Pensacola region pay without a degree at all.
The only bachelor-level program with earnings data here is Business Administration, Management and Operations, and it pays $34,348 a year with $7,250 in debt. That is below the school's overall median, so business at this school is not where the money is. There is no bachelor-level data listed for any other field, so there is no way to point you toward a program that clearly pays off. Treat any four-year major here as a low-cost credential, not a high-income bet.
The main risk is the 42 percent graduation rate. More than half of enrollees do not finish, and if you leave without the degree you keep the debt without the earnings bump. The low price limits the damage, but the odds of completing are close to a coin flip.
The net price tiers reward the lowest incomes most: under $30k pays $1,650, while the $75-110k band pays $9,629, the highest of any group. If your family earns in the middle, you pay noticeably more than both the poorest and the wealthiest students. This school fits you if you want a cheap, low-debt path and can commit to finishing. Look elsewhere if you are counting on the degree to produce a high salary.
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.