Business Administration, Management and Operations at CBT Technology Institute-Cutler Bay

At $30,250 in estimated debt—more than 50% above Florida's typical associate-level business program and double the national benchmark—this program's value proposition hinges entirely on whether its graduates can match the earnings trajectory of peer programs. The estimated first-year figure of $39,010 aligns with Florida's median, but by year four, earnings slip to $37,550, suggesting this program doesn't provide the earnings growth that typically justifies higher debt loads.

The contrast with community colleges in Florida is stark. Broward and St. Petersburg colleges place business graduates at $47,000-$50,000 with substantially less debt. Even accounting for different student populations (CBT serves 100% Pell-eligible students), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 means nearly a full year's salary dedicated to loans—workable but tight, especially if those year-four earnings represent the ceiling rather than a plateau.

For families considering this program, the core question is whether CBT's specific support services or job placement assistance justify paying $10,000-$15,000 more than nearby public alternatives. Without reported outcomes from CBT's actual graduates, you're betting that this cohort will perform as well as the state average while carrying significantly more debt. Get concrete placement rates and alumni outcomes directly from the school before committing to this cost structure.