Business Administration, Management and Operations at Polk State College

Polk State College's business associate's degree comes with remarkably low debt—just $8,000, which puts it in the 95th percentile nationally (meaning only 5% of similar programs leave students with less debt). That's less than half what typical Florida students borrow for this credential. Combined with first-year earnings of $38,868, you're looking at a debt load graduates could potentially pay off in just a few months of dedicated effort.

The earnings picture tells a more nuanced story. While Polk State graduates earn above the national median for business associate's degrees, they fall slightly below Florida's state median of $39,010, landing at the 40th percentile among Florida programs. This matters because Florida has particularly strong community college outcomes in business—programs like Broward College and St. Petersburg College post earnings in the upper $40,000s to low $50,000s. So within the state's competitive landscape, Polk State produces middle-of-the-pack results.

However, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing considerably year to year. For a parent evaluating this program, the key advantage is clear: minimal financial risk. Even if earnings come in lower than expected, $8,000 in debt is manageable on nearly any salary. If your child plans to work in the Winter Haven area where cost of living is reasonable, this represents a sensible, low-stakes entry into business careers.