Analysis
When both earnings and debt figures rely on national averages for Health Professions bachelor's programs, the picture suggests a workable but not exceptional investment. Peer programs nationally show first-year earnings around $38,500 against roughly $25,000 in debt—a 0.65 ratio that falls within manageable territory for health careers. However, "Health Professions" is a broad umbrella that includes everything from health administration to community health, and outcomes can vary dramatically depending on the specific specialization and licensure requirements.
What's missing here is crucial context about what exactly Florida Gulf Coast's program prepares students to do. The estimated earnings sit at the national median, but the 75th percentile nationally reaches nearly $48,000—suggesting that program focus and career pathway matter significantly. If this program leads to a specific credential or clinical role, actual outcomes could differ substantially from these generalized estimates. The debt load appears modest for a four-year degree, but without knowing whether graduates need additional certifications or graduate education to practice in their field, that assessment remains incomplete.
For parents, the key limitation is uncertainty about specialization. If your child has a clear career target within health professions—say, health informatics or clinical research coordination—investigate whether FGCU's specific curriculum and connections support that path. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but they're too generic to confirm whether this particular program delivers the training and credentials your child actually needs.
Where Florida Gulf Coast University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,118 | $38,492* | — | $24,990* | — | |
| $6,638 | $72,628* | $68,341 | $19,018* | 0.26 | |
| $15,672 | $70,890* | $58,053 | $37,613* | 0.53 | |
| $31,866 | $70,566* | — | $27,801* | 0.39 | |
| $7,317 | $56,924* | $64,596 | $24,990* | 0.44 | |
| $10,791 | $56,793* | $57,659 | $29,750* | 0.52 | |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000* | 0.68 |
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 Gulf Coast University, approximately 29% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.