Business Administration, Management and Operations at CBT Technology Institute-Hialeah

A $30,250 debt load for an associate's degree would be concerning under any circumstances, but it's particularly troubling when earnings stay essentially flat—dropping from an estimated $39,010 in year one to $37,550 by year four. Based on comparable business programs at similar Florida institutions, this debt figure is 50% higher than the state median of around $20,000, and more than double the national benchmark of roughly $14,000. With all students receiving Pell grants, these families are borrowing heavily for a credential that doesn't appear to deliver the income trajectory needed to justify the investment.

The estimated first-year earnings align with Florida's median for business associate's degrees, which provides some reassurance about immediate job prospects. However, the backward slide in earnings by year four raises questions about whether graduates are finding roles with advancement potential or getting stuck in entry-level positions. Florida's community colleges like Broward and St. Petersburg produce graduates earning $47,000-$50,000 by year four from similar programs—significantly better outcomes, likely at lower cost.

For families already facing financial constraints—as the 100% Pell grant rate suggests—taking on $30,000 in debt for a two-year business degree is a high-stakes gamble. The 0.78 debt-to-earnings ratio might seem manageable on paper, but declining earnings and limited upward mobility change that calculation considerably. Before committing, compare actual costs and outcomes at nearby community colleges or public universities where business programs typically deliver stronger value.