Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 positions this program in reasonable territory for a health professions bachelor's degree, though both figures come from national peer programs rather than Florida Atlantic's specific outcomes. Similar health professions programs nationwide suggest first-year earnings around $38,500 and debt near $25,000—numbers that translate to manageable monthly payments of roughly $280 on a standard 10-year plan, consuming about 9% of gross monthly income.
The challenge is understanding where FAU's program actually falls within the health professions spectrum. This credential encompasses everything from health information management to community health, fields with vastly different career trajectories. Comparable programs nationally show a wide range, with top performers reaching $47,800 in first-year earnings. Without FAU's specific graduate outcomes, it's difficult to know whether their program trends toward the higher-earning specializations or more modest ones.
For families considering this investment, the key question is which specific health professions track your student would pursue. At these estimated debt levels, fields like health administration or clinical support roles would likely justify the cost. But given that only 5 schools in Florida offer this broad credential—and none have published outcome data—you'll want to dig deeper into FAU's program specifics, career placement support, and where their graduates actually land before committing.
Where Florida Atlantic University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,879 | $38,492* | — | $24,990* | — | |
| $6,638 | $72,628* | $68,341 | $19,018* | 0.26 | |
| $15,672 | $70,890* | $58,053 | $37,613* | 0.53 | |
| $31,866 | $70,566* | — | $27,801* | 0.39 | |
| $7,317 | $56,924* | $64,596 | $24,990* | 0.44 | |
| $10,791 | $56,793* | $57,659 | $29,750* | 0.52 | |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000* | 0.68 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Florida Atlantic University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.