Business Administration, Management and Operations at Southeastern College-West Palm Beach

The estimated debt load here—$30,250 for an associate's degree—significantly exceeds what comparable business programs in Florida typically produce ($20,063 median). This matters because while first-year earnings of around $39,010 match the state median for business associate's programs, carrying that much debt changes the financial equation. At a 0.78 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates would need to dedicate nearly their entire first year's salary just to clear their student loans—far above the national debt median of $13,980 for this credential.

The heavy borrowing becomes especially concerning when you consider that 77% of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting many families have limited financial cushion. Other Florida schools with reported outcomes show it's possible to do better: Broward College graduates earn $50,374 in their first year, while St. Petersburg College grads make $47,669—both presumably with more manageable debt loads at public institutions. Even matching state-typical earnings, the debt burden at Southeastern appears steeper than necessary for this credential level.

Before committing, parents should request the school's actual completion and job placement rates, and compare total program costs against public college alternatives. The gap between estimated debt here and state norms suggests this particular path may saddle graduates with unnecessary financial weight in a field where more affordable options exist nearby.