Location: Fort Myers, FL•In-State Tuition: $3,401•Out-of-State Tuition: $12,979
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,098
Est. from FL median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$16,681
Est. from FL median (4 programs)

Analysis

A first-year salary near $39,000 for an associate's degree in computer programming—figures drawn from similar Florida programs—positions this credential in competitive territory, though not at the top. Comparable programs across the state show graduates earning between roughly $36,600 and $42,700, with Florida SouthWestern's estimated outcomes landing in the middle of that range. That's essentially matching the state median for these programs, which means students here aren't likely experiencing a Florida SouthWestern advantage or disadvantage—they're getting a representative outcome for this type of credential in this state.

The estimated debt load of $16,681 actually sits below both the state and national medians for programming associate's degrees, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43. Peer programs suggest students could reasonably expect to pay off this debt within a few years of steady employment. For a two-year technical credential in a field with genuine hiring demand, that's a workable investment profile—programming skills remain marketable even without a bachelor's degree, particularly in Florida's growing tech sectors around Tampa and Miami.

The reality check: these are approximations based on what happens at similar programs, not tracked outcomes for Florida SouthWestern graduates specifically. If this school's actual placement rates or employer connections lag behind programs like Hillsborough Community College, the earnings picture could look different. Ask the college directly about job placement statistics and which local employers hire their graduates before committing.

Where Florida SouthWestern State College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming associates's programs nationally

Florida SouthWestern State College (estimated ±10%)Other computer programming programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Computer Programming associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (25 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Florida SouthWestern State CollegeFort Myers$3,401$39,098*—$16,681*—
Hillsborough Community CollegeTampa$2,506$42,710*—$18,262*0.43
Santa Fe CollegeGainesville$2,563$39,098*—$15,100*0.39
Valencia CollegeOrlando$2,474$36,601*$63,680$14,070*0.38
National Median—$38,086*—$17,108*0.45
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Network Support Specialists

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

$61,550/yrJobs growth:
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 SouthWestern State College, approximately 34% 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 median of 3 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.