Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Ultimate Medical Academy

The $31,500 estimated debt load here stands out immediately—that's roughly 22% above what other Florida nursing programs typically carry and 50% more than the national median for associate nursing degrees. With an expected first-year salary around $64,700 (based on Florida's nursing program average), you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable but not ideal, especially when peer programs across the state are producing similar outcomes with significantly less borrowing.

What makes this harder to evaluate is that both the earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from comparable Florida programs, not this school's actual graduate outcomes. The good news: nursing associate degrees reliably lead to employment, and the estimated earnings align closely with state and national benchmarks. The concerning part: several Florida programs with reported data—including community colleges like Broward and Valencia—show their graduates earning $70,000+ in their first year while carrying debt closer to $26,000. That combination of higher earnings and lower debt creates considerably more financial breathing room.

For a family considering this program, the 81% Pell grant enrollment suggests Ultimate Medical Academy serves students who need accessible pathways into nursing. But given the elevated estimated debt and the uncertainty around actual outcomes, it's worth comparing specific financial aid packages against state community colleges offering nursing programs with documented track records. The credential itself should open doors; the question is whether this particular path leaves your child with more debt than necessary.