Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Northwest Florida State College

Northwest Florida State College's nursing program costs remarkably little—just $10,500 in median debt, among the lowest 5% nationally—but the earnings don't match Florida's stronger nursing market. Graduates start at $68,745, which falls below both the state median ($76,508) and sits at the 40th percentile among Florida's 72 nursing programs. More concerning, earnings actually dip to $66,453 by year four, suggesting graduates may face challenges advancing or securing higher-paying positions compared to peers from other Florida programs.

The debt-to-earnings picture (0.15 ratio) looks solid on paper, and for students prioritizing minimal borrowing, this program delivers on that front. However, context matters: nearby community colleges like Seminole State and Pasco-Hernando are placing graduates into $89,000+ jobs with comparable debt loads. The $20,000+ annual earnings gap compounds significantly over a nursing career.

For families considering in-state nursing options, this program offers an affordable entry point into the field, but you're likely trading lower debt for considerably lower earning potential in Florida's competitive healthcare market. If your child can access one of the state's top-performing programs—particularly the community college options showing stronger outcomes—that's probably worth exploring first, even if it means slightly more debt or relocation within the state.