Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology

Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology's nursing program carries higher debt than most comparable programs, but the earnings picture based on Florida ADN programs suggests reasonable returns. With $32,500 in debt—about $6,750 above the state median for these programs—graduates here are borrowing more than peers at nearby community colleges that produce similar earning potential. The estimated first-year earnings of $64,719 tracks closely with Florida's typical outcomes for associate-level nursing programs, putting the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.50, which means roughly six months of gross pay to cover what was borrowed.

The real question is whether the premium cost makes sense when Florida community colleges consistently place nursing graduates in similar salary ranges with substantially less debt. Schools like Broward College and Valencia College report first-year earnings around $71,000-$73,000 with debt loads typically $10,000-$15,000 lower. Given that nursing is a licensed profession with relatively standardized training requirements, the credential tends to matter more than the specific school's name in the job market.

For families weighing this option: the program's debt level sits in the 9th percentile nationally—meaning 91% of nursing programs nationally send graduates out with more debt—so it's not catastrophic. But shop around. If comparable community college programs are accessible and carry lower sticker prices, those represent a clearer financial advantage for entering the same profession.