Business Administration, Management and Operations at Daytona State College

Daytona State's associate business program carries unusual uncertainty—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, the data is more anecdotal than definitive. That said, the numbers suggest a middle-ground outcome: graduates earn about $37,000 initially with manageable debt of $13,289. While this beats the national median for similar programs by 9%, it falls short of Florida's median by roughly $2,000, placing it in the 40th percentile statewide. In a state where community colleges like Broward and St. Pete routinely produce business grads earning $47,000-50,000, this program lags meaningfully behind its peers.

The flat earnings trajectory—essentially unchanged from year one to year four—deserves scrutiny. Most associate business programs show some upward momentum as graduates gain experience, but this cohort saw none. Whether that reflects the local Daytona Beach job market, the specific employers these graduates joined, or simply the quirks of a small sample is impossible to determine without more data.

For families seeking an affordable business credential in Florida, this program offers reasonable debt levels but underwhelming earnings potential compared to nearby alternatives. If Daytona State is the local option, it's serviceable. But parents with the means to consider other Florida community colleges should compare carefully—the gap between this program and higher-performing state schools could mean $10,000+ annually in lost earning power.