Public Health at Florida Career College-Houston

Florida Career College-Houston's Public Health associate program produces graduates who earn around $30,000 annually—earnings that remain essentially flat between year one and year four. The $20,000 in typical debt represents about eight months of salary, which is manageable but leaves little breathing room given the modest income level. Among Texas public health associate programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, suggesting it performs slightly better than the typical in-state option, though the difference is minimal.

The real concern here is the complete absence of earnings growth. Most career-focused associate degrees show graduates gaining skills and responsibility that translate to higher pay over time, but this program's graduates earn virtually the same amount four years out as they do immediately after graduation. With nearly three-quarters of students receiving Pell grants, many families will be counting on this credential to provide upward mobility—and stagnant earnings around $30,000 make that difficult in Houston's cost of living environment.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether an associate degree is the right stopping point. The debt load is reasonable and the placement into entry-level positions appears solid, but if the career path requires a bachelor's degree to advance beyond $30,000 annually, that should factor heavily into the decision. This might work as an affordable stepping stone if your child plans to continue their education while working, but as a standalone credential, the earnings trajectory is disappointing.