Computer and Information Sciences at Broward College

Broward College's computer science degree offers one significant advantage: graduates leave with exceptionally low debt of just $13,848, ranking among the lowest 5% of similar programs nationwide. For comparison, the typical Florida computer science graduate carries $20,375 in debt, making Broward's financing significantly more manageable. Combined with first-year earnings of $52,497, the debt-to-earnings ratio is a healthy 0.26—meaning graduates owe roughly three months' salary.

The earnings themselves, however, tell a more complicated story. While $52,497 starts on solid ground (and grows to $57,222 by year four), this falls below both the state median of $57,000 and the national median of $61,322. Among Florida's 39 programs, Broward ranks around the 40th percentile—middle of the pack in a state where top programs like University of Florida and UCF regularly place graduates into $68,000+ starting positions. That's a $15,000-$38,000 annual gap that compounds significantly over a career.

For families prioritizing affordability and debt avoidance, Broward delivers. The low debt burden means graduates have flexibility in their career choices without financial pressure. However, if your child is competitive for admission to Florida's flagship universities, they'd likely earn back that higher debt through substantially better starting salaries. The tradeoff is straightforward: Broward offers financial safety but not the earning power of Florida's stronger programs.