Business Administration, Management and Operations at Daytona State College

Daytona State's business program offers below-average earning potential at a slightly lower price point, but the math still doesn't quite add up. At $39,584 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $5,500 less than the Florida median for this degree—landing at the 40th percentile statewide. While the debt load of $21,000 is reasonable in absolute terms, it represents a significant chunk of that modest starting salary.

The concerning part is the trajectory: earnings barely budge over four years, growing just 6% to $42,000. Meanwhile, other Florida business programs show graduates can earn 50-60% more at schools like Embry-Riddle or Florida Tech. Even comparing to the state median, Daytona State grads are leaving roughly $3,000 annually on the table. With a third of students receiving Pell grants, these earning differences matter—that's real money for families who need the degree to deliver economic mobility.

For families prioritizing affordability and local access, this program keeps debt manageable and delivers a credential. But if your child has the grades and test scores to gain admission elsewhere, Florida's stronger business programs would likely repay the effort. The gap between what this program delivers and what's available at the state median—let alone top Florida schools—is substantial enough to warrant serious consideration of alternatives.