Business Administration, Management and Operations at Florida Gateway College

Florida Gateway College's business administration program shows estimated figures that align closely with state and national norms, but the debt picture requires careful consideration. Based on comparable programs across Florida community colleges, graduates can expect to borrow around $14,719—slightly above the national median—while earning roughly $39,010 in their first year, which matches Florida's state median and exceeds the national benchmark by about $5,000.

The 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory, meaning graduates would owe about five months of gross income. However, it's worth noting that other Florida community colleges offering similar programs report significantly lower debt loads—the state median for this credential sits at $20,063, but some programs manage to keep borrowing well below that. With 38% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive, making that debt figure a meaningful consideration even if the ratio appears manageable.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether an associate's degree in business administration opens doors that justify even moderate borrowing. These estimates suggest outcomes that are solidly middle-of-the-pack—not the $50,000+ that top-performing Florida programs produce, but also not the concerning debt-to-earnings scenarios that plague some credentials. If your student can complete this program with minimal borrowing or plans to transfer to a four-year institution, it could serve as an affordable foundation.