Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems at Everglades University

With four years of work, graduates of this program earn just $29,065—barely above poverty wages—while carrying over $55,000 in debt. That 2-to-1 debt ratio means the typical graduate would need to dedicate their entire pretax income for two years just to break even. While Everglades ranks at the 60th percentile among Florida's alternative medicine programs, that's misleading context: Florida's median for this program is equally dire at $26,847, suggesting the entire state market struggles to generate viable returns.

The national picture confirms these concerns. Everglades ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for earnings while also sitting in the 5th percentile for debt—the worst of both worlds. Graduates at top programs nationally earn around $36,000, which itself isn't impressive but represents a 24% premium over what Everglades delivers. The modest 8% earnings growth over four years offers little hope that time will significantly improve the financial picture.

For families considering this investment, the math is unforgiving. At under $30,000 annually four years post-graduation, most graduates will struggle with basic living expenses while managing substantial debt payments. Unless a student has an exceptionally clear career path in alternative medicine with strong income potential—or is attending with minimal borrowing—this program carries significant financial risk that parents should carefully weigh against other educational options.