Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Florida Gateway College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Florida Gateway College's nursing program stands out for one compelling reason: graduates carry half the debt of typical Florida nursing students while earning nearly comparable salaries. With just $11,375 in median debt versus the state median of $23,261, this represents one of the most affordable nursing pathways in Florida—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt. The first-year salary of $75,050 sits slightly below Florida's median ($76,508) but nearly matches the national average, creating an exceptionally favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15.
The earnings gap with top Florida programs is real—Miami Dade and Valencia graduates earn roughly $15,000-$18,000 more initially. However, those programs typically come with significantly higher debt loads. For families prioritizing financial security over maximum starting salary, Florida Gateway's combination of affordability and solid outcomes makes economic sense. With 38% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves students who need to minimize borrowing while entering a stable profession.
This is a financially sensible choice for students committed to staying in the Lake City area or for those who need to keep debt minimal. The modest earnings relative to other Florida programs shouldn't overshadow the fundamental strength here: your child enters the nursing workforce with manageable debt and immediate earning potential that pays off their investment quickly.
Where Florida Gateway College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Florida Gateway College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Florida Gateway College graduates earn $75k, placing them in the 51th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (72 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Gateway College | $75,050 | — | $11,375 | 0.15 |
| West Coast University-Miami | $95,859 | $98,869 | $38,145 | 0.40 |
| Valencia College | $93,751 | — | $22,158 | 0.24 |
| Miami Dade College | $90,158 | — | $12,500 | 0.14 |
| Seminole State College of Florida | $89,194 | — | $22,134 | 0.25 |
| Pasco-Hernando State College | $89,145 | — | $22,097 | 0.25 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast University-Miami Doral | $23,691 | $95,859 | $38,145 |
| Valencia College Orlando | $2,474 | $93,751 | $22,158 |
| Miami Dade College Miami | $2,838 | $90,158 | $12,500 |
| Seminole State College of Florida Sanford | $3,227 | $89,194 | $22,134 |
| Pasco-Hernando State College New Port Richey | $3,155 | $89,145 | $22,097 |
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 Gateway College, approximately 38% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 52 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.