At $11,154/yr net price, Santa Fe College graduates earn $41,631/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,631/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,154 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,616 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,631/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,631/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,310 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,251/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,703/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,927/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,409/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,579/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 | $57,544 | $12,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $54,109 | $17,173 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $53,358 | $14,125 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $17,212 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,581 | $18,952 |
| Animal Sciences. | Associate | $25,967 | $14,190 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,035 | $8,404 |
The Risk Factor
52.1% of students at Santa Fe 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
Santa Fe College offers strong returns for healthcare-focused students but weak outcomes for most other majors. Your financial success depends heavily on choosing the right program at this Gainesville community college.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $57,544 annually while carrying just $12,000 in debt. Allied health diagnostics and dental support services also deliver solid returns, both generating over $53,000 in median earnings. These healthcare programs justify their costs and align well with Florida's growing medical sector.
Business administration tells a different story. Graduates earn just $31,581 while carrying nearly $19,000 in debt, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio. This program fails to deliver meaningful financial returns despite being among the school's most popular offerings.
The 52% graduation rate presents a significant risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt. You face better odds in healthcare programs, which tend to have higher completion rates due to clear career pathways.
Santa Fe works best for students targeting specific healthcare careers who can complete programs efficiently. The low net price of $11,154 keeps costs manageable, but only if you graduate. Students interested in business or general studies should consider transferring to a four-year university after completing prerequisites here.
Financial aid reaches just 27% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize costs, and consider the accelerated nursing pathway if you meet prerequisites. Avoid programs outside healthcare unless you plan to transfer for a bachelor's degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Fe College worth the money?
Santa Fe College offers reasonable value with a low net price of $11,154 annually and median debt of just $11,310. However, the 52% graduation rate and $41,631 median earnings after 10 years suggest mixed outcomes depending on your program choice.
What are the highest paying majors at Santa Fe College?
Nursing programs at Santa Fe College lead earnings at $57,544 annually, followed by allied health diagnostics at $54,109 and dental support services at $53,358. Business programs pay significantly less at $31,581.
How much debt do Santa Fe College graduates have?
Santa Fe College graduates carry a median debt of $11,310, which is relatively low for higher education. The manageable debt load helps offset the lower overall earnings compared to four-year institutions.
Does Santa Fe College have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes at Santa Fe College vary dramatically by program, with nursing and health fields showing strong returns but other areas lagging. The 52% graduation rate indicates completion challenges that can impact career prospects.