Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College's nursing program puts graduates in a notably strong position financially—starting at over $80,000 with just $20,572 in debt. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of work. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Florida's 72 nursing schools, it significantly outperforms the national median and does so with considerably less debt than most competitors. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes.

The tradeoff here is clear: you're getting solid, above-average earnings without the premium salaries that top Florida programs like West Coast University-Miami ($95,859) or Valencia College ($93,751) command. But you're also avoiding the debt burden that often comes with those programs. For families prioritizing affordability while maintaining strong earning potential, this balance works well—especially since nursing salaries tend to equalize with experience as professionals advance through the same hospital systems and specialty roles regardless of where they trained.

Santa Fe College delivers what many parents want from a state college nursing program: reliable entry into a stable profession without financial strain. Your child will graduate earning more than most new nurses nationally and owing less than nearly 90% of nursing graduates—a foundation that allows for career flexibility rather than debt-driven decisions.