Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,740
54th percentile (60th in FL)
Median Debt
$8,000
27% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.29
Manageable
Sample Size
504
Adequate data

Analysis

Florida SouthWestern State College's Liberal Arts associate program stands out for its impressive earnings trajectory—graduates see their income jump 41% from $27,740 in year one to $39,129 by year four. This growth pattern significantly outpaces what you'd typically expect from a general studies program, where earnings often plateau early.

The debt picture is particularly attractive at just $8,000, well below both the national median ($10,950) and Florida's average ($9,250) for similar programs. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their starting salary. Among Florida's 55 liberal arts programs, this one ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while maintaining below-average debt levels.

While the $27,740 starting salary is modest, the strong earnings growth suggests graduates are successfully leveraging their degree to advance into better-paying positions. With robust sample size data backing these figures, this program offers a low-risk pathway to higher education that pays off over time. For families concerned about college debt, this represents solid value—affordable entry costs with meaningful income potential as graduates establish their careers.

Where Florida SouthWestern State College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally

Florida SouthWestern State CollegeOther liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Florida SouthWestern State College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Florida SouthWestern State College graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 54th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (55 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Florida SouthWestern State College$27,740$39,129$8,0000.29
Saint Leo University$41,989$45,328$23,6870.56
University of West Florida$31,140$37,671$15,1250.49
The College of the Florida Keys$30,933$37,364$7,2850.24
Florida State College at Jacksonville$30,678$38,095$10,9090.36
Hillsborough Community College$30,406$39,453$11,0000.36
National Median$27,248—$10,9500.40

Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in Florida

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo
$28,360$41,989$23,687
University of West Florida
Pensacola
$6,360$31,140$15,125
The College of the Florida Keys
Key West
$3,279$30,933$7,285
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville
$2,878$30,678$10,909
Hillsborough Community College
Tampa
$2,506$30,406$11,000

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.

Sample Size: Based on 504 graduates with reported earnings and 921 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.