Location: Gainesville, FL•In-State Tuition: $2,563•Out-of-State Tuition: $9,189
Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,098
54th percentile
60th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$15,100
12% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.39 ManageableSample: 20 graduates Limited data

Analysis

With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers need careful interpretation, but Santa Fe College's computer programming associate's shows reasonable alignment with state and national benchmarks. First-year earnings of $39,098 match Florida's median exactly and land slightly above the national average, placing graduates at the 60th percentile statewide. The $15,100 in typical debt sits meaningfully below both Florida's median ($18,262) and the national figure ($17,108), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39—manageable by community college standards.

The real question is whether an associate's degree provides enough technical depth for today's programming jobs, especially when nearby Hillsborough Community College's similar program shows $42,710 in first-year earnings. Santa Fe's graduates aren't struggling, but they're not commanding premium salaries either. For students planning to transfer to a four-year program, this represents solid preparation at a reasonable cost. For those entering the workforce immediately, the earnings suggest entry-level positions rather than developer roles.

The small sample size matters here—a handful of graduates landing in help desk or tech support roles versus software development could swing these numbers considerably. If your child is committed to programming as a career, plan for this as a stepping stone, not the endpoint. The low debt load at least makes that next step financially feasible.

Where Santa Fe College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming associates's programs nationally

Santa Fe CollegeOther computer programming programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Santa Fe College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Santa Fe College earns $39k — 54th percentile among computer programming associates programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Computer Programming associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (25 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Santa Fe CollegeGainesville$2,563$39,098—$15,1000.39
Hillsborough Community CollegeTampa$2,506$42,710—$18,2620.43
Valencia CollegeOrlando$2,474$36,601$63,680$14,0700.38
National Median—$38,086—$17,1080.45

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Network Support Specialists

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

$61,550/yrJobs growth:
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 Santa Fe College, approximately 28% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.