Computer and Information Sciences at Daytona State College

Daytona State's computer science graduates start at $45,498—well below Florida's median of $57,000 and ranking in just the 25th percentile statewide. That's roughly $20,000 less than what graduates earn at nearby University of Central Florida. However, this program tells a different story by year four, when median earnings jump to $77,581, a 71% increase that actually surpasses UCF's outcomes and approaches what University of Florida graduates make.

The debt load of $25,403 is slightly above Florida's median but manageable given the strong earnings trajectory. At a 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates owe about half their first-year salary, though they'll be earning considerably more within a few years. The challenge is surviving that first year—parents should budget accordingly, especially if their child needs time to land that first tech job or starts in a lower-tier position.

For families prioritizing affordability and willing to accept a slower launch, this program works. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates successfully transition into well-paying tech roles, they just need more time to get there than peers from Florida's flagship universities. If your child can handle a potentially rocky first year—perhaps living at home or working part-time—the four-year outlook is genuinely solid.