At $13,818/yr net price, The College of the Florida Keys graduates earn $42,508/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,508/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,818 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,272 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,508/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,508/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,086/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,111/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,700/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,412/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 | $65,573 | $18,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,739 |
The Risk Factor
40.8% of students at The College of the Florida Keys 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
The College of the Florida Keys offers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $42,508 ten years after graduation and a troubling 40% graduation rate. Your chances of completing your degree here are lower than at most colleges, creating significant financial risk.
Nursing stands out as the only financially viable program, with graduates earning $65,573 annually. This salary justifies the $18,000 in debt nursing students typically carry and reflects strong demand for healthcare workers in the Florida Keys tourism economy. Liberal arts graduates earn just $26,739, making this program a poor investment at any debt level.
The school's location creates unique financial challenges. The Florida Keys' tourism-dependent economy offers limited career opportunities outside healthcare and hospitality, potentially trapping graduates in low-wage service jobs. Housing costs in the Keys are notoriously high, further eroding your earning power after graduation.
You should consider this school only if you plan to study nursing and want to work in the Keys region. The program appears well-connected to local healthcare employers. For all other majors, you would likely find better career prospects and higher earnings at mainland Florida colleges.
Financial aid covers less than 30% of students, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. The relatively low net price of $13,818 reflects the school's public status, but even this modest cost becomes expensive given the weak employment outcomes for most graduates. Your safest financial strategy is choosing nursing or looking elsewhere entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The College of the Florida Keys worth the cost compared to other schools?
The College of the Florida Keys has a relatively low net price at $13,818 per year, but graduates earn only $42,508 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. The 40.80% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree.
What programs at The College of the Florida Keys have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $65,573 annually. Liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $26,739, making the investment harder to justify given the school's low graduation rate.
How much student debt do College of the Florida Keys graduates typically have?
The median debt load is relatively manageable at $9,500. However, with graduate earnings averaging $42,508, debt payments could still strain budgets, especially for non-nursing majors who earn considerably less.
Should I attend The College of the Florida Keys or go somewhere else?
Consider this school only if you're pursuing nursing and can handle the risk of a 40% graduation rate. For other majors, you'll likely find better earning potential and graduation rates at other Florida colleges.