Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Flagler College

For a bachelor's degree in liberal arts, borrowing an estimated $30,624 means carrying debt significantly above what most Florida students in similar programs take on (the state median sits at $25,571). That extra $5,000 matters when first-year earnings around $35,400—based on comparable programs across Florida—barely cover basics in a tourist-driven city like Saint Augustine. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87, graduates would need roughly 87% of their first year's income just to pay off what they borrowed, leaving precious little margin.

The broader context isn't encouraging either. Top liberal arts programs in Florida—Miami, UCF, Barry—show first-year earnings in the mid-$40,000s to low-$50,000s, suggesting that location, network, or institutional resources create meaningful differences in outcomes. Flagler's 78% acceptance rate and modest test scores suggest it's accessible, but accessibility doesn't always translate to post-graduation advantage in a field where employer prestige and alumni connections often matter.

The practical takeaway: this represents a substantial financial commitment for a degree in a field that typically produces modest early earnings. Before committing, compare this estimated debt load against what you'd borrow at Florida's public universities offering the same degree—many report stronger earnings outcomes at lower debt levels. If your child is set on Flagler for other reasons, make minimizing borrowing the top priority.