Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Santa Fe College
Associate's Degree
sfcollege.eduAnalysis
Santa Fe College's Liberal Arts program starts graduates at below-average earnings but tells a compelling growth story. While first-year earnings of $25,823 trail both national and Florida medians by roughly $1,000-2,000, graduates see impressive 57% income growth by year four, reaching $40,559—well above what most programs in this field achieve long-term.
The debt picture works strongly in students' favor. At $9,998, graduates carry less debt than both the national median ($10,950) and finish with a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. Among Florida's 55 programs in this field, Santa Fe College ranks right in the middle for earnings but offers below-median debt, creating a practical pathway to an affordable degree that pays off over time.
For parents concerned about return on investment, this program delivers where it counts most: strong earnings growth with minimal financial burden. The initial earnings gap closes quickly, and graduates aren't weighed down by excessive debt while building their careers. This makes Santa Fe College a solid choice for students who need an affordable foundation degree with genuine upward mobility potential.
Where Santa Fe College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Santa Fe College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe College | $25,823 | $40,559 | +57% |
| Saint Leo University | $41,989 | $45,328 | +8% |
| Hillsborough Community College | $30,406 | $39,453 | +30% |
| Florida SouthWestern State College | $27,740 | $39,129 | +41% |
| Florida Gateway College | $21,925 | $39,079 | +78% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Santa Fe CollegeGainesville | $2,563 | $25,823 | $40,559 | $9,998 | 0.39 |
 Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo | $28,360 | $41,989 | $45,328 | $23,687 | 0.56 |
 University of West FloridaPensacola | $6,360 | $31,140 | $37,671 | $15,125 | 0.49 |
 The College of the Florida KeysKey West | $3,279 | $30,933 | $37,364 | $7,285 | 0.24 |
 Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville | $2,878 | $30,678 | $38,095 | $10,909 | 0.36 |
 Hillsborough Community CollegeTampa | $2,506 | $30,406 | $39,453 | $11,000 | 0.36 |
| National Median | — | $27,248 | — | $10,950 | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
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 344 graduates with reported earnings and 754 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.