Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Daytona State College

Daytona State College's nursing program offers a practical entry point into healthcare with manageable debt, though graduates should understand the unusual earnings pattern. At $14,250 in median debt—roughly half the Florida median—this program delivers solid financial accessibility. Graduates land in the 60th percentile among Florida nursing programs, earning slightly above the state median while borrowing significantly less than peers. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 means typical graduates can pay off their loans in about three months of gross earnings.

The concerning element is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their median income drop from $66,333 to $60,287 between years one and four. This 9% decline is unusual for nursing and could reflect graduates transitioning from higher-paying hospital shifts to different care settings, part-time work, or other career adjustments. While year-one earnings trail Florida's top programs by about $7,000, they're still competitive for an associate's degree program.

For Florida families seeking an affordable nursing credential, this program works—especially if staying local matters. You're trading some earning potential versus top-tier state programs for genuinely low debt. Just recognize that unlike most nursing careers where earnings climb steadily, Daytona State graduates haven't followed that pattern historically. The program is financially viable if your child plans to maximize early earning years or use this as a stepping stone to further credentials.