Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at North Florida College

North Florida College's nursing program achieves something increasingly rare in associate degree nursing: exceptionally low debt combined with above-average state performance. Graduates leave with just $7,902 in debt—about 70% less than the state median of $25,749—while earning $67,707 four years out. This places them in the 60th percentile among Florida's 73 nursing programs, meaningfully above the state median of $64,718. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.12 means graduates earn back their entire loan burden in less than six weeks, creating immediate financial breathing room.

The tradeoff is straightforward: earnings plateau early and never quite reach the national median of $68,409, landing in the 43rd percentile nationally. The top Florida programs push into the low $70,000s, about $5,000 more annually. But consider what that means practically—North Florida graduates face minimal monthly loan payments while earning solid middle-class wages in rural North Florida, where housing costs run far below Orlando or Miami. For students from modest backgrounds (39% receive Pell grants), this represents genuine upward mobility without the debt burden that often accompanies it.

This program makes most sense for students planning to work in smaller communities where living costs align with these earnings. The minimal debt provides flexibility to specialize later, relocate, or pursue additional education without financial strain.