Computer and Information Sciences at Florida National University-Main Campus

Florida National University serves a predominantly low-income student population—84% receive Pell grants—but the estimated debt burden here raises serious affordability questions. While comparable computer science programs in Florida suggest first-year earnings around $57,000, the estimated debt of nearly $49,000 is more than double the state median of $20,375 for this field. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86, meaning students would owe almost a full year's salary before even accounting for taxes or living expenses.

The earnings estimate itself isn't the problem—it aligns with the Florida median and falls within a reasonable range for entry-level tech positions. But when peer institutions across the state typically leave graduates with half the debt for similar outcomes, that gap becomes harder to justify. The national debt benchmark of $25,000 tells the same story: students here are potentially borrowing double what's standard for a computer science bachelor's degree. For families already stretched financially, those extra years of loan payments could undermine the degree's value proposition.

Before committing, compare the actual cost of attendance here against public universities like University of Central Florida, where computer science graduates earn similar salaries but typically carry far less debt. If Florida National offers unique support or flexibility your family needs, factor that in—but understand you're likely paying a premium that will take years to overcome.