Business Administration, Management and Operations at Indian River State College

Indian River State College's business program offers one of the lowest debt loads in Florida—graduating students owe just $11,750, dramatically less than the state median of $22,625. That's a compelling advantage for families worried about student loans. However, it comes with a significant earnings tradeoff: graduates earn around $40,000 one year out, roughly $5,000 below both the Florida and national medians for business degrees. Among Florida's 93 business programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile—solidly middle-of-the-pack within the state, though it lags behind national peers.

The minimal earnings growth—just 3% over four years—suggests graduates may face limited advancement potential in their early careers. While that $11,750 debt is manageable on a $40,000 salary (the 0.29 ratio is quite favorable), your child would be starting their career earning substantially less than peers from other Florida business programs. The top performers in the state see graduates earning $64,000 or more, nearly 60% higher.

For families where minimizing debt is the priority and you're comfortable with below-average starting earnings, this program delivers on affordability. But if career trajectory and earning potential matter more, Florida offers dozens of business programs with stronger outcomes that still maintain reasonable debt levels.