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

Florida State College at Jacksonville's nursing program sits in an interesting position: it costs significantly less than most Florida alternatives while delivering starting salaries that nearly match the state median. With just $17,701 in debt—$8,000 below the state average—graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29, meaning they could theoretically pay off loans in under four months of gross earnings. That's a financial cushion many nursing grads don't get.

The tradeoff shows up in the earnings trajectory. Starting pay of $62,019 ranks in the 40th percentile statewide, and four years out, graduates earn $64,709—modest growth in a field where others are pushing past $70,000. Some of Florida's top nursing programs deliver starting salaries exceeding $73,000, a difference of $10,000+ annually that compounds over a career. The program ranks in just the 17th percentile nationally, suggesting stronger options exist elsewhere.

For families prioritizing manageable debt and reliable employment, this program works. The low debt burden means graduates can build financial stability quickly, even if they're not reaching the top salary bands. But if your child is comparing offers and could access higher-earning programs at comparable cost, those extra thousands per year add up to real money over a nursing career. The smart move: calculate whether slightly higher debt at a top-tier Florida program would pay for itself within two years.