Analysis
This associate's degree carries an estimated $24,509 in debtβnearly double the national median for business associate's programs and closer to what Florida graduates typically face. When peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $36,600, that debt burden translates to a ratio of 0.67, meaning graduates would owe about eight months of their annual salary.
The comparison to Florida's business associate's landscape is revealing. Other programs in the state report median earnings closer to $44,000, suggesting graduates might earn $7,000-8,000 less annually than peers at competing schools like Strayer or DeVry. Combined with above-average debt, this creates a tougher financial starting point than what similar programs typically deliver in Florida's market.
For families considering Saint Leo, the gap between estimated costs and Florida outcomes matters. If your student can access a comparable business program elsewhere in the state with reported earnings in the mid-$40,000s, that difference could meaningfully accelerate debt repayment and open financial breathing room in those crucial early career years. The numbers here suggest shopping around before committing.
Where Saint Leo University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,360 | $36,591* | β | $24,509* | β | |
| $13,920 | $44,154* | $47,516 | $32,810* | 0.74 | |
| $17,488 | $43,716* | β | $30,444* | 0.70 | |
| National Median | β | $36,591* | β | $13,437* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Saint Leo University, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 124 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.