Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Keiser graduates from this health sciences program earn significantly more than typical Florida students in similar programs—about $41,965 in the first year versus the state median of $31,182. That's roughly $10,000 more annually, placing this program in the 80th percentile statewide. The earnings edge persists nationally too, where Keiser sits in the 82nd percentile despite the program's broad accessibility (97% admission rate, 58% Pell recipients).

The challenge is debt. At nearly $54,000, graduates carry more than double both the state median ($23,242) and national median ($26,690) for this degree. That creates a concerning 1.29 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning students owe more than their entire first-year salary. For context, only the handful of programs at community colleges like Seminole State deliver higher earnings with dramatically less debt. Most Florida programs simply cost less, even when they produce lower-earning graduates.

The calculation here depends on whether that $10,000 annual earnings advantage can justify an extra $30,000 in debt over four years of payments. The modest 5% earnings growth suggests income won't surge dramatically after graduation. If your child can access a less expensive option—particularly at a public institution—the math likely favors that route, even with slightly lower starting pay.