Business Administration, Management and Operations at Eastern Florida State College

Something strange happens with earnings at Eastern Florida State College: graduates of this business program see their incomes drop from an estimated $39,010 in year one to just $25,152 by year four. That backward trajectory—unusual among associate's degree programs—suggests graduates may be taking lower-paying positions over time, working reduced hours, or leaving the workforce temporarily. While the estimated first-year figure aligns with Florida's median for business associate's degrees, the sharp decline raises questions about career sustainability.

The debt load of $19,152 sits near Florida's typical range and falls below the national 67th percentile for this program nationwide. Based on comparable programs in the state, the 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper. But that ratio loses meaning when year-four earnings fall so dramatically. If the downward trend reflects reality rather than measurement quirks, graduates could find themselves struggling with debt payments years after leaving school.

Parents should recognize that these figures—particularly that first-year estimate drawn from 18 peer programs—may not predict your child's specific experience. The concerning earnings decline warrants direct questions to the school: Where do graduates work initially? Why might incomes drop by year four? What career paths do successful alumni follow? Without clearer answers about post-graduation trajectories, this program carries more uncertainty than the reasonable debt burden might initially suggest.