Public Health at Florida Career College-Hialeah

Florida Career College-Hialeah's Public Health associate's degree produces graduates earning just over $30,000 annually—earnings that remain essentially flat four years out. While this might seem modest, it actually places the program solidly in the middle of the pack nationally and performs better than 60% of Florida's public health associate programs. The 71% Pell grant rate suggests this program serves predominantly lower-income students who may be entering the workforce for the first time or seeking credential-based advancement in existing healthcare jobs.

The $20,000 debt load translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66, meaning graduates owe roughly eight months' salary. This is reasonable for an associate's degree, though the lack of earnings growth is notable—what you earn at graduation is essentially what you'll earn four years later. For context, the strongest programs in Florida (like Florida National University) deliver 20-25% higher earnings, suggesting room for advancement may depend more on the graduate's initiative than the credential itself.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether $30,000 annually represents progress. If your child is currently unemployed or earning substantially less, this credential provides stable entry into healthcare-adjacent work at a manageable debt level. If they're already earning near $30,000, this degree is unlikely to change their financial trajectory—other pathways might offer better returns.