Business Administration, Management and Operations at Lake-Sumter State College

For a two-year business degree, the estimated debt load of $14,719 compares favorably to what similar Florida community colleges typically report—about $20,000—suggesting Lake-Sumter keeps borrowing costs relatively contained. The estimated first-year earnings of $39,000 from comparable Florida programs would put graduates roughly at the state median for this credential, though well below what the state's top performers achieve. That 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in manageable territory, meaning your child would owe less than 40% of their expected first-year salary.

The uncertainty here matters more than usual. Since these figures come from peer institutions rather than Lake-Sumter's actual outcomes, you're betting that this school's program performs like a typical Florida community college business program—not an unreasonable assumption, but not guaranteed either. The 30% Pell grant rate suggests a student body with significant financial need, which often correlates with more modest career outcomes, though it could also mean stronger support services.

The practical question: Can your child leverage this degree into steady work that justifies the investment? Business associate's degrees open doors to supervisory, administrative, and operational roles, but advancement often requires either specific industry experience or eventually completing a bachelor's. If the goal is getting employed quickly with limited debt, the estimated numbers suggest this path could work—but confirm Lake-Sumter has strong employer connections in your local market before committing.