Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach State College's IT administration program sits well below the middle of the pack in Florida—ranking in just the 25th percentile statewide with graduates earning $38,149 their first year. That's nearly $8,000 less than Florida's median for this degree and significantly trails nearby community colleges like St. Petersburg ($52,458) and Florida State College at Jacksonville ($47,420). Even Valencia College, with similar earnings outcomes, represents the state median this program falls short of reaching.

The silver lining here is exceptional: at $9,000 in median debt, Palm Beach State students borrow less than half the state median and rank in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, meaning graduates can realistically pay off loans within months rather than years. For students who need an affordable entry point into IT—particularly the 38% receiving Pell grants—this matters.

The core tension is whether saving on debt justifies accepting notably lower earnings potential. A $7,000 annual earnings gap compared to other Florida community colleges compounds significantly over a career. If your child is considering this program, compare job placement rates and explore whether the lower earnings reflect local market realities in Palm Beach County or program-specific factors. The debt advantage is real, but other Florida community colleges appear to deliver both affordability and stronger earning power.