Business Administration, Management and Operations at Florida Institute of Technology-Online

Florida Tech-Online's business associate degree carries an estimated debt load of $33,000—more than double the typical $20,000 for similar programs in Florida and well above the $14,000 national median. When paired with first-year earnings around $39,000 (based on comparable Florida programs), that puts graduates at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.84, meaning nearly a full year's salary goes toward paying off student loans.

The earnings picture itself isn't alarming—$39,000 matches the Florida median for business associate degrees and exceeds the national benchmark. But the debt burden changes the equation significantly. Compare this to programs at Broward College or St. Petersburg College, where Florida graduates are earning $47,000-$50,000, likely with considerably less debt given these are public institutions. Even accounting for the convenience of online learning, the financial gap is substantial.

For parents weighing this investment, the core question is whether the online format and Florida Tech brand justify borrowing 60% more than peer programs typically require. With nearly half the student body receiving Pell grants, affordability matters here. If your student can access more affordable options—particularly Florida's robust public college system—those paths deserve serious consideration before committing to this level of debt for an associate degree.