Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Southeastern University
Associate's Degree
Analysis
At just $19,475 in first-year earnings, Southeastern's liberal arts associate program produces outcomes well below what Florida students should expect. Even among Florida's 55 schools offering this degree—where the median graduate earns $26,978—this program falls in the bottom quarter. Nearby community colleges like Hillsborough and Florida State College at Jacksonville see graduates earning over $30,000, demonstrating that affordable Florida options exist with significantly better returns.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift with more data, but the gap is too large to ignore. When your child could earn 56% more by attending a Florida community college just an hour away, location convenience rarely justifies that trade-off. The $12,000 debt load isn't catastrophic, but paired with earnings that would struggle to cover basic living expenses in Lakeland, it creates an unnecessarily difficult start to working life.
If your child is set on Southeastern University specifically, this associate degree shouldn't be the path. The institution's bachelor's programs may offer better outcomes. Otherwise, Florida's community college system provides this same credential with far stronger earning potential—and that's the comparison that matters most for an in-state student.
Where Southeastern University 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 Southeastern University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southeastern University graduates earn $19k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates programs nationally.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern University | $19,475 | — | $12,000 | 0.62 |
| 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 Southeastern University, approximately 22% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 56 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.