At $-52/yr net price, St Petersburg College graduates earn $42,557/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,557/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $-52 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $-208 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,557/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,557/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | -0 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,868 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,669/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,616/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,158/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 | $65,512 | $15,578 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 | $15,750 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $17,428 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,696 | $28,015 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $43,128 | $26,285 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $30,000 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $27,026 |
| Education, Other. | Certificate | $42,363 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,235 | $12,757 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $19,000 |
The Risk Factor
37.5% of students at St Petersburg College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
St Petersburg College offers extraordinary value with a negative net price of $52 annually, meaning you actually receive more in financial aid than the cost of attendance. However, the 37.5% graduation rate presents serious completion risk that could derail your investment entirely.
Nursing programs dominate the earnings picture, with registered nursing graduates earning $65,512 and carrying modest debt loads around $15,600. Dental support services also deliver strong returns at $55,512 with manageable debt. These healthcare tracks align well with Florida's growing medical sector and aging population.
Business administration and IT management show weaker returns relative to debt loads. Business majors face $28,015 in median debt for $43,696 earnings, while IT graduates carry $26,285 debt for similar pay. These debt-to-income ratios signal poor value compared to the healthcare options.
The financial aid structure works in your favor if you complete your degree. With 33% of students receiving aid and the negative net price, most students graduate debt-free or with minimal loans. This makes St Petersburg College ideal for cost-conscious students who can handle the completion challenges.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the low graduation rate. Starting but not finishing means you face debt without the degree needed for higher earnings. You need strong academic preparation and clear career focus to succeed here. Students seeking prestige or extensive campus resources should look elsewhere, but those prioritizing affordability and practical career training will find solid value in the right programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Petersburg College worth the cost?
St Petersburg College has a negative net price, meaning students typically receive more in financial aid than tuition costs. With graduates earning $42,557 after 10 years and median debt of only $16,868, the financial return is solid for a community college.
What are the best paying programs at St Petersburg College?
Nursing programs at St Petersburg College offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning $57,318-$65,512 annually. Dental support services also pays well at $55,512, while business and IT programs average around $43,000.
Do St Petersburg College graduates have high student debt?
St Petersburg College graduates have relatively low debt at $16,868 median. The school's negative net price means most students pay little to nothing out of pocket after financial aid.
What is the graduation rate at St Petersburg College?
St Petersburg College has a 37.5% graduation rate, which is typical for open-enrollment community colleges. The low completion rate means many students don't finish their programs, though those who do graduate see decent earnings.