Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at College of Central Florida
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
College of Central Florida's nursing program delivers above-average outcomes at a reasonable price point, though it doesn't crack the top tier among Florida nursing schools. New graduates earn $78,006—about $1,500 more than the state median and $3,100 above the national average. Among Florida's 72 nursing programs, this lands right in the middle at the 60th percentile, well behind community college leaders like Valencia ($93,751) and Miami Dade ($90,158), but comfortably above many four-year competitors.
The debt picture is notably strong. At $30,230, graduates carry more debt than the state median ($23,261) but considerably less than the national median ($27,000), placing them in the 29th percentile nationally—meaning 71% of nursing programs nationwide saddle students with more debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates owe roughly five months of their first-year salary, a manageable burden that should allow aggressive repayment.
For families prioritizing solid earnings with controlled debt, this program works. You're not getting the premium outcomes of Florida's top community college nursing programs, but you're getting reliable mid-$70K starting salaries without the debt load that often comes with private or out-of-state options. The 40% Pell Grant rate suggests the school serves cost-conscious families effectively—a good signal that they understand value.
Where College of Central Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How College of Central Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally
College of Central Florida graduates earn $78k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (72 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Central Florida | $78,006 | — | $30,230 | 0.39 |
| West Coast University-Miami | $95,859 | $98,869 | $38,145 | 0.40 |
| Valencia College | $93,751 | — | $22,158 | 0.24 |
| Miami Dade College | $90,158 | — | $12,500 | 0.14 |
| Seminole State College of Florida | $89,194 | — | $22,134 | 0.25 |
| Pasco-Hernando State College | $89,145 | — | $22,097 | 0.25 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast University-Miami Doral | $23,691 | $95,859 | $38,145 |
| Valencia College Orlando | $2,474 | $93,751 | $22,158 |
| Miami Dade College Miami | $2,838 | $90,158 | $12,500 |
| Seminole State College of Florida Sanford | $3,227 | $89,194 | $22,134 |
| Pasco-Hernando State College New Port Richey | $3,155 | $89,145 | $22,097 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At College of Central Florida, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 61 graduates with reported earnings and 76 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.