Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians at South Florida Institute of Technology

This certificate program costs less than it delivers, though the upside is limited. With just $8,508 in debt—well below both the national median ($11,250) and matching the state median—graduates face minimal financial burden. The 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio means you'd owe roughly three months of salary, a manageable start for technical work.

The earnings tell a more modest story. First-year graduates earn $33,760, landing below the national median and sitting at the 40th percentile among Florida's 44 programs offering this certificate. Florida Academy grads earn 27% more right out of the gate, showing there's meaningful variation in outcomes even within the state. While earnings do grow to $35,944 by year four, you're still trailing the national median significantly. This isn't a program that opens doors to exceptional pay—it's entry-level environmental technician work with steady but unspectacular compensation.

For families focused on minimizing debt while getting technical credentials quickly, this works. The 68% Pell Grant population suggests this serves students who need affordable pathways to employment. But if your child has options for stronger programs (like Florida Academy) or could pursue a related associate degree, those alternatives might justify slightly higher upfront costs for materially better earnings. This is a low-risk entry point to the field, not a standout opportunity.