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

Daytona State College nursing graduates start strong at nearly $78,000 but see earnings slip to $74,500 by year four—a trajectory worth understanding. The program still delivers solid value: graduates earn above both Florida's median ($76,500) and the national benchmark ($74,900), ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. More importantly, they carry just $17,000 in debt, far below Florida's typical $23,000 and ranking among the lowest-debt nursing programs in the country.

The slight earnings dip likely reflects Florida's nursing market dynamics rather than program quality. Many BSN graduates in the state start in acute care settings with shift differentials and overtime opportunities, then transition to roles with better schedules but sometimes lower base pay. Given the minimal debt load, these graduates maintain financial flexibility—their debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means they could theoretically pay off loans in under three months of gross income.

The trade here is straightforward: mid-tier earnings potential (several Florida programs place graduates above $90,000) in exchange for remarkably low debt exposure. For students attending Daytona State at in-state tuition rates, this represents a smart value play. You're getting solid nursing credentials and earning power without the financial burden that can limit early-career choices.