At $21,433/yr net price, State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota graduates earn $40,318/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,318/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,433 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,732 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,318/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,318/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,208/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,473/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,040/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,310/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,595/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 | $63,005 | $13,250 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,252 | $11,176 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $35,600 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,745 | $5,500 |
The Risk Factor
34.9% of students at State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota 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
State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota delivers strong returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nursing programs stand out with graduates earning over $60,000 annually, making the $11,000-13,000 debt load manageable. However, the school's overall median earnings of $40,318 fall short given the $21,433 annual cost.
If you plan to study nursing, this school offers solid financial value with debt-to-income ratios under 20%. The allied health programs provide moderate returns at $38,289, while health administration graduates earn $35,600. Liberal arts students face concerning prospects with earnings of just $23,745, creating a difficult path to loan repayment even with lower debt levels.
The 35% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face roughly two-in-three odds of leaving without a degree while still carrying debt. This low completion rate suggests many students struggle with the academic demands or life circumstances that interfere with finishing.
You should consider this school if you have strong academic preparation for nursing or allied health programs and can commit to full-time study. The low debt levels help, but only if you actually graduate. Students interested in liberal arts or general studies should look elsewhere, as the earnings potential does not justify the costs.
With only 36% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly to minimize total expenses, particularly given the relatively high annual net price for a community college transitioning to four-year programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota worth the cost?
The nursing programs at State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota show strong returns with graduates earning over $60,000, but other programs like liberal arts lead to below-average earnings of $23,745. With a 35% graduation rate, many students don't finish their degrees.
What programs at State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI with graduates earning $60,000-$63,000 annually. Allied health programs provide moderate returns around $38,000, while general studies graduates earn just $23,745.
How much debt do State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota graduates have?
The median debt is relatively low at $9,000, which helps offset the school's modest graduate earnings. This makes it less risky than schools with higher debt loads, even with average post-graduation salaries of $40,318.
Does State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota have good graduation rates?
No, only 35% of students graduate, meaning most who enroll don't finish their degrees. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's value proposition for most students.