Business Administration, Management and Operations at Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College's business program graduates leave with notably less debt than typical—$18,875 versus $26,000 nationally and $22,625 in Florida. That's a genuine advantage. However, the earnings trajectory reveals an unusual pattern: graduates actually earn less four years out ($42,479) than they do in their first year ($45,590). While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Florida business programs initially, this backward slide suggests graduates may be hitting constraints in career advancement or job market positioning.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 looks manageable on paper, especially compared to programs where students carry twice as much debt. But that calculation assumes first-year earnings hold steady, which they don't here. By year four, graduates are earning 7% less than they started with—a warning sign in a field where earnings typically climb as professionals gain experience and move into management roles.

For Florida families, this program costs less than most alternatives but also delivers less growth potential. If your child plans to use this degree as a stepping stone—perhaps while working or before pursuing an MBA—the low debt load makes sense. But if they're counting on the bachelor's degree alone to launch a business career with rising earnings, the evidence here suggests they may plateau quickly.