Public Health at Florida Career College-Lauderdale Lakes

This program performs exactly at the state median for public health associate degrees in Florida, landing at the 60th percentile—a respectable middle-tier position. However, the $30,000 annual earnings translate to just over $14 per hour, which barely exceeds what many retail or food service workers earn without any degree or debt. With $20,000 in loans, graduates face manageable monthly payments around $220, but the tight margins leave little room for unexpected expenses or financial setbacks.

The complete absence of earnings growth between year one and year four is the real concern here. While some healthcare fields start modest and build earning power, these graduates appear stuck at their entry-level salary. The program serves a predominantly low-income population (75% receive Pell grants), yet the outcome doesn't provide the economic mobility many of these students need. For comparison, top-performing Florida programs like Florida National University produce graduates earning $7,000 more annually—a 23% premium that would justify shopping around.

If your child is passionate about public health and committed to staying local, this provides an entry point to the field without crushing debt. But the stagnant wages suggest graduates may need additional credentials or career pivots within a few years to improve their financial situation. The debt is manageable, but the return barely justifies two years of education.