Health and Medical Administrative Services at CBT Technology Institute-Cutler Bay

A $25,000 starting salary against $9,500 in debt sounds reasonable on paper, but here's what should worry you: graduates from Florida's strongest programs in this field are earning $35,000-$37,000—nearly 50% more than CBT-Cutler Bay's typical outcome. While this program sits at the 40th percentile among Florida schools, that middle-of-the-road position masks a significant gap. Seminole State and St. Petersburg College, both community colleges with likely similar or lower costs, are producing graduates who earn $10,000-$12,000 more annually.

The concerning part isn't just the starting salary—it's that earnings barely budge over four years. At a time when most healthcare administrative professionals are building skills and moving up, CBT graduates are essentially treading water financially. The student body (100% Pell-eligible) suggests this program serves students who need the credential to work most, yet it's delivering below what Florida's better programs achieve.

The low debt load is the program's saving grace—you could pay it off within a few years even on these modest earnings. But if your child can access one of Florida's community colleges offering this certificate, they'd likely graduate with similar debt and significantly better earnings potential. This isn't a financial disaster, but it's leaving money on the table when better alternatives exist in-state.