Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Seminole State College of Florida
Associate's Degree
Analysis
At first glance, Seminole State's liberal arts program might seem unremarkable with starting salaries around $28,000, but the real story emerges in the earnings trajectory. Graduates see their income jump 36% by year four to $38,058—impressive growth that outpaces many associate degree programs. Among Florida's 55 similar programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, putting it ahead of most community colleges while maintaining reasonable debt levels.
The financial fundamentals work well here. At $10,500 in median debt, students graduate owing slightly less than the national average, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means graduates typically dedicate less than 40% of their first year's salary to loan payments. This is manageable debt for an associate degree that serves as either a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or entry into the workforce.
For parents weighing this investment, Seminole State offers solid value in Florida's competitive landscape. While elite programs like Saint Leo University show higher starting salaries, they likely come with significantly more debt. This program provides a practical path forward—whether your child plans to transfer to a four-year university or enter the job market immediately. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates successfully leverage their degree into better opportunities over time.
Where Seminole State College of Florida 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 Seminole State College of Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally
Seminole State College of Florida graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 55th 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seminole State College of Florida | $27,926 | $38,058 | $10,500 | 0.38 |
| 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 Seminole State College of Florida, approximately 27% 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 485 graduates with reported earnings and 1164 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.