Business Administration, Management and Operations at Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach State College's business administration program stands out for one compelling reason: graduates leave with remarkably low debt—about $15,300 compared to $23,000 statewide and $26,000 nationally. That's a 5th percentile debt burden, meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more. For families worried about student loan payments, that's a substantial advantage.

The earnings tell a more modest story. First-year graduates earn $43,450, slightly below both Florida's median ($45,072) and the national average ($45,703), placing this program right around the 40th percentile. Four years out, earnings climb to $48,399—solid 11% growth, but still well behind Florida's top-performing business programs where graduates earn $60,000+. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 is healthy, meaning graduates can realistically manage their loans even with below-median starting salaries.

The core question is whether saving $7,000-11,000 in debt offsets earning $2,000-3,000 less annually early in your career. For many families—particularly the 38% here receiving Pell grants—that's a worthwhile tradeoff. You're getting solid business fundamentals and reasonable earning potential without the debt burden that can delay major life decisions. This isn't the path to maximizing early earnings, but it's a fiscally conservative choice that gives graduates breathing room.