Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Central Florida

UCF's nursing program presents a concerning value proposition despite the university's solid reputation. While graduates start with respectable earnings of $73,765—close to national averages—their income actually declines by 7% over four years to $68,602. This unusual "early peak" pattern puts UCF nursing graduates at a disadvantage in Florida, where they rank in just the 40th percentile for earnings compared to other nursing programs in the state.

The debt picture offers some relief, with typical graduates owing $21,000—well below both national ($27,000) and state ($23,261) medians for nursing programs. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning graduates can reasonably handle their loan payments. However, the declining earnings trajectory is particularly troubling in a field where experience typically commands higher wages.

What makes this especially concerning is how UCF compares to Florida alternatives. Community colleges like Valencia ($93,751) and Miami Dade ($90,158) produce nursing graduates earning $20,000+ more than UCF graduates by year four. Given that Florida has 72 nursing programs to choose from, parents should seriously consider whether UCF's brand recognition justifies the weaker financial outcomes. The robust sample size makes these numbers reliable, not statistical flukes.