Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at FVI School of Nursing and Technology

The $9,499 debt load looks manageable on paper, but FVI's networking program prepares graduates for entry-level positions that pay about $29,000—roughly $8,000 below the national median for these certificates. Among Florida's 38 programs, this falls right at the 60th percentile, meaning it's slightly above the state median but still trails the national market substantially. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means graduates face about four months of gross income in loans, which is reasonable if the degree opens doors to career advancement.

Here's the complication: with a small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked), these numbers could shift significantly year to year. That $29,000 starting salary also represents a challenging foundation in Miami's cost of living environment. While 72% of students receive Pell grants—suggesting the school serves economically vulnerable populations—that mission doesn't change the math that computer networking certificate holders at top Florida programs like Sheridan Technical College achieve similar outcomes for comparable costs.

For families weighing this program, the core question is whether FVI's specific training and placement support justify choosing it over alternatives. The debt is controllable, but starting at under $30,000 in tech means this certificate functions more as a foot-in-the-door credential than a path to immediate financial stability. If your student has strong local connections or FVI offers specific employer partnerships that matter to you, it could work—just recognize you're paying slightly more than state peers for below-average national outcomes.