Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Santa Fe College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Santa Fe College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Santa Fe College graduates earn $26k, placing them in the 39th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe College | $25,823 | $40,559 | $9,998 | 0.39 |
| Saint Leo University | $41,989 | $45,328 | $23,687 | 0.56 |
| University of West Florida | $31,140 | $37,671 | $15,125 | 0.49 |
| The College of the Florida Keys | $30,933 | $37,364 | $7,285 | 0.24 |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | $30,678 | $38,095 | $10,909 | 0.36 |
| Hillsborough Community College | $30,406 | $39,453 | $11,000 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $27,248 | — | $10,950 | 0.40 |
Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Leo University Saint Leo | $28,360 | $41,989 | $23,687 |
| University of West Florida Pensacola | $6,360 | $31,140 | $15,125 |
| The College of the Florida Keys Key West | $3,279 | $30,933 | $7,285 |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville | $2,878 | $30,678 | $10,909 |
| Hillsborough Community College Tampa | $2,506 | $30,406 | $11,000 |
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.