Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Florida SouthWestern State College

Florida SouthWestern State College graduates enter nursing with significantly less debt than their peers—$15,917 versus a state median of $25,749—which makes this program financially accessible despite modest earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 means graduates owe less than three months of salary, creating financial breathing room that higher-earning programs often don't provide after accounting for their steeper debt loads. Starting at $63,089 puts graduates slightly below Florida's median for nursing programs, landing at the 40th percentile statewide, but well-positioned to cover expenses immediately.

The challenge is stagnant growth: earnings barely budge over four years, staying around $64,000 while top Florida programs see graduates reaching $70,000-plus. This suggests limited upward mobility within entry-level nursing positions, though the low debt means graduates aren't financially trapped. For families prioritizing affordability and immediate employment over long-term earning potential, this trade-off makes sense—particularly for students who plan to pursue BSN completion or specialty certifications later.

**The bottom line:** This is a low-risk entry point into nursing that won't burden your child with debt, though they'll likely need additional credentials to match the earning power of graduates from Florida's top-ranked programs. If staying in Southwest Florida and minimizing loans matters more than maximizing early-career earnings, this program delivers solid value.