Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Concorde Career Institute-Miramar

Concorde Career Institute's nursing program produces first-year earnings nearly half the Florida median—$37,797 versus $64,718 statewide—placing it in just the 10th percentile among the state's 73 nursing programs. While earnings jump dramatically to $64,109 by year four (catching up to state norms), that initial earning period matters enormously when you're carrying $30,312 in debt. Compare this to nearby Broward College, where graduates immediately earn $72,991, or even Valencia College at $70,422—both public institutions that typically cost far less upfront.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.80 looks manageable on paper, but only because it's calculated against that depressed first-year salary. You're essentially betting on year-four earnings to make the investment worthwhile, which means enduring three years of financial strain while peers from other Florida programs enjoy comfortable salaries from day one. The 63% Pell Grant population suggests many students here are financing this education through debt they can ill afford given the delayed payoff.

For families comparing Florida nursing programs, the public community colleges dominate the top-performing list for good reason. Unless geographic constraints make Concorde the only option, this program's combination of below-average starting pay and above-average debt creates unnecessary financial pressure during the crucial early career years when new nurses need stability most.