Business Administration, Management and Operations at Chipola College

Chipola College's business program shows an unusual earnings pattern that warrants careful consideration. Based on comparable Florida programs, graduates would carry an estimated $18,918 in debt—reasonably modest and below both state and national medians. The first-year earnings of $40,730 sit below the state median of $45,072, placing the program in the 40th percentile statewide. More concerning is the trajectory: earnings actually decline to $35,913 by year four, a 12% drop that runs counter to typical career progression.

This backward earnings curve is the real red flag. While similar programs across Florida typically see graduates earning more as they gain experience, this program's outcomes suggest either graduates are taking jobs with limited advancement potential or they're concentrated in sectors facing headwinds. The estimated debt remains manageable at a 0.46 ratio to first-year earnings, but that calculation becomes less reassuring when earnings shrink rather than grow. For context, Florida's top business programs—like Embry-Riddle and Florida Tech—start graduates near $64,000 to $67,000 annually.

The key question is whether this program opens doors that stay open. The modest estimated debt offers some cushion, but declining earnings over the first four years suggests graduates may struggle to build momentum in their careers. If your child is considering this program, focus on understanding the specific career paths recent graduates have taken and whether those align with their goals.