At $4,443/yr net price, South Florida State College graduates earn $39,990/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,990/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,443 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,772 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,990/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,990/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,368 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,521/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,285/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,927/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,921/yr |
| $110,001+ | $6,532/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
The Risk Factor
51.1% of students at South Florida 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
South Florida State College costs you very little and asks you to borrow very little, but the earnings on the other side are modest. Net price sits under $4,500 a year, and median debt at graduation is around $7,000. That is one of the lowest debt loads you will find at any four-year school, so the financial risk of enrolling here is small. The problem is what you earn afterward: median pay ten years out lands near $40,000, which is below what many four-year graduates make nationally.
The one bachelor-level program with reported earnings, Business Administration, shows about $28,600 a year. That is well under the school-wide median, which tells you the campus median is propped up by other credentials and outcomes, not by this degree. If business is your plan and this figure holds, the payoff is weak even against the low cost. Treat the school-wide $40,000 as a blended number across many paths, not a promise tied to any undergraduate major you can pick here.
The net price tiers are unusual: families earning $30,000 to $48,000 pay the least, around $3,300, while families over $110,000 pay roughly $6,500. Even the top tier is cheap by four-year standards, so cost is not the deciding factor at any income level here.
This school fits you if you want a low-cost, low-debt start close to Avon Park and plan to work locally or transfer. With a graduation rate near 51 percent, roughly half of students do not finish, so the low debt only protects you if you complete. If you need a degree that reliably clears $50,000 or more, look at the specific program earnings before enrolling, and consider schools with stronger reported bachelor-level outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Florida State College worth the cost?
South Florida State College offers decent value with a low net price of $4,443 annually and manageable debt levels around $7,368. However, graduates earn only $39,990 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates.
What is the return on investment for South Florida State College degrees?
The ROI varies significantly by program at South Florida State College. Business programs lead to earnings around $28,598, while the overall graduate average of $39,990 suggests other programs may offer better returns than business.
How much debt do South Florida State College graduates typically have?
South Florida State College graduates leave with relatively low debt, typically around $7,368. The low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
Do South Florida State College graduates find good jobs?
With a 51% graduation rate and average earnings of $39,990, South Florida State College produces mixed employment outcomes. The low cost helps offset the modest earning potential, but career prospects depend heavily on your chosen program.