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 gives you a low-risk financial position. Median debt sits at $9,300, less than one year of the $10,399 net price, and roughly a quarter of the $40,594 you can expect to earn ten years out. You are not borrowing heavily here, which matters because the median earnings are modest and a heavy loan load would sink the return.
Two bachelor's programs stand out. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions pays $63,501, and Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians pays $63,005 , both more than $20,000 above the college-wide median. These are the degrees that make Valencia pay off, and Orlando's health systems and technical employers give them a place to land. If you enroll for a general or lower-earning program, expect returns closer to that $40,594 median, which barely clears typical Florida wages.
The main risk is the 43.5% graduation rate. More than half of students do not finish, and the earnings and debt figures reward those who complete. If you drop out with loans and no credential, you carry the cost without the payoff. Go in with a clear plan to finish, ideally in one of the two high-earning tracks.
The net price tiers are unusual. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $9,850 , less than families in the $48,000 to $110,000 range, who pay up to $13,965. Lower-income families get the better deal here, and the middle bracket carries the highest cost.
Valencia fits you if you want an affordable path into allied health or electrical engineering technology and you will finish. Look elsewhere if you need a program outside those fields to justify the cost, since the typical earnings do not leave much margin.
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.