Business Administration, Management and Operations at Florida Southern College

Florida Southern's business program produces below-average outcomes while charging above-average debt. Graduates earn $43,581 their first year—landing at the 40th percentile both nationally and among Florida's 93 business programs. Meanwhile, the $23,250 debt burden sits in the 70th percentile nationally, meaning 70% of comparable programs saddle students with less debt. That's a problematic combination: paying more to earn less than the typical business graduate in your own state.

The 10% earnings growth to $48,024 by year four helps somewhat, but still leaves graduates trailing Florida's median by about $1,000 annually. Compare this to top Florida business programs like Embry-Riddle or Florida Tech, where graduates earn $65,000+ from the start. Even adjusting for Florida Southern's smaller size and more selective admission (59% acceptance rate, 1263 average SAT), the return doesn't match the investment.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 is manageable—not catastrophic—but there's little margin for error if your child changes careers or faces a slower job market. For a private college education in Florida, you'd expect earnings closer to the state's top quartile, not solidly middle-of-the-pack. Unless Florida Southern offers compelling non-financial reasons (specific connections, location advantages, fit), Florida families can likely find better value at public universities or more competitively positioned private schools.