Business Administration, Management and Operations at College of Central Florida

College of Central Florida's business program lands in the bottom quarter nationally for earnings, but the real issue is how it compares to other Florida options. At $40,202 in first-year earnings, graduates here earn about $5,000 less than the typical Florida business grad—that's a meaningful gap when you're deciding between in-state schools with similar tuition structures. The debt load of $24,818 isn't terrible (slightly above the state median of $22,625), but paired with below-median earnings, it creates a longer payback timeline than you'd want to see.

The modest 5% earnings growth to year four—just under $2,000—suggests graduates aren't climbing quickly into management roles where business degrees typically pay off. While the program serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (40%), which speaks to its accessibility mission, the career outcomes lag behind what many other Florida schools deliver for the same credential. The 40th percentile ranking among Florida business programs means six out of ten comparable in-state options produce better earnings outcomes.

For families comparing Florida schools, understand that this program will likely require more patience on the back end. The degree gets you working, but probably not in the business roles that justify the credential's full cost. If your student is committed to staying local in the Ocala area where connections matter more than alma mater, that context changes the calculation. Otherwise, other Florida public universities offer stronger earnings trajectories for similar or lower debt.