Computer and Information Sciences at Santa Fe College

Computer science graduates typically launch into strong-earning careers, but Santa Fe College's program shows first-year earnings of $49,302—landing in the 20th percentile nationally and 40th within Florida. That's roughly $12,000 below what similar programs across the state produce and $20,000 less than what graduates from nearby University of Florida earn. While the estimated debt of $19,391 stays manageable at just 0.39 times first-year income, that favorable ratio matters less when the earnings themselves lag significantly behind market expectations.

The gap here isn't subtle. Most computer science bachelor's programs in Florida produce median earnings above $56,000, and top state programs consistently deliver graduates into the $65,000-$90,000 range. Given that technology employers typically care more about skills and portfolio than institutional prestige, the earnings disparity suggests either weaker technical preparation, limited recruiting pipelines, or both. For a field where entry-level positions at major tech companies or even local employers often start at $60,000+, these outcomes should prompt questions about curriculum rigor and career placement support.

If your child is set on Santa Fe College, dig into their placement statistics, the specifics of their CS curriculum, and whether they have established relationships with tech employers. The debt burden won't crush them, but starting $10,000-$20,000 behind peers from other Florida programs could mean a year or more of catch-up in career trajectory—assuming similar promotion paths thereafter.