At $10,399/yr net price, Valencia College graduates earn $40,594/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,594/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,399 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,596 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,594/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,594/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,300 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,850/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,533/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,817/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,965/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,033/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $63,501 | $10,750 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,909 | $12,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $51,482 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,214 | $12,255 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $36,852 | $14,198 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $35,274 | $13,599 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Associate | $32,925 | $15,280 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $31,818 | $12,500 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $31,133 |
The Risk Factor
43.5% of students at Valencia 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
Valencia College delivers solid financial returns through its healthcare and technical programs, though your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. The school's $10,399 annual net price combined with relatively low debt loads creates a manageable path to middle-class earnings.
Allied health diagnostic programs lead the earnings pack at $63,501, while electrical engineering technology and nursing both clear $55,000 annually. These programs justify their slightly higher debt loads through strong job placement in Orlando's growing healthcare and tech sectors. Dental support services also perform well at $51,482 with lower borrowing requirements.
The 43% graduation rate signals a significant risk. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, you face real dropout danger. The relatively low percentage receiving financial aid suggests many students pay full price, making completion even more critical for your investment.
You should target Valencia if you want healthcare or technical training at community college prices with four-year credentials. The Orlando job market rewards these skills, and the school's industry connections help with placement. Skip Valencia if you need a traditional four-year experience or plan to major outside healthcare and technology, where earnings potential drops significantly.
Financial aid opportunities appear limited given the low recipient percentage, but the affordable base price compensates. Your best strategy involves choosing a high-earning program, completing quickly to minimize costs, and leveraging the school's job placement services in the strong Central Florida market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valencia College worth the money?
Valencia College offers solid value with a low net price of $10,399 per year and modest debt levels around $9,300. However, the 43% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at Valencia College?
Healthcare programs dominate Valencia College's highest earnings, with allied health diagnostic fields and electrical engineering technology both reaching around $63,000 annually. Nursing graduates earn about $56,000, making these programs the clear winners for return on investment.
How much debt do Valencia College graduates have?
Valencia College graduates typically carry $9,300 in debt, which is relatively low compared to four-year institutions. The manageable debt load helps offset the modest $40,594 average earnings after 10 years.
Why is Valencia College's graduation rate so low?
Valencia College's 43% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, including work obligations and part-time enrollment. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor for students considering the school's overall value.