Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at University of Florida

University of Florida's Health Services program asks students to make a difficult bet: accept rock-bottom starting pay for extraordinary long-term growth. First-year earnings of $23,493 rank in just the 5th percentile nationally—roughly $12,000 below the national median and $8,000 below Florida's median. Yet four years out, earnings surge to $65,782, nearly tripling and ultimately outpacing every other health services program in Florida. Even UF's selective admission standards (24% acceptance rate) don't quite prepare families for that jarring initial salary.

The debt picture offers some relief: $15,686 is manageable, especially compared to the national median of $26,690. But that first year demands real sacrifice—whether that means living with family, working multiple jobs, or drawing on parental support. Among Florida's 20 health services programs, this ranks only in the 25th percentile for first-year earnings, trailing schools like Seminole State and Keiser by more than $20,000 initially.

This program likely funnels graduates into positions requiring additional training or certifications before reaching full earning potential—perhaps clinical roles, healthcare administration pathways, or preparation for graduate school. If your child can weather 1-2 years of minimal income and has a clear plan for what comes next, UF's trajectory is compelling. But families counting on immediate post-graduation earnings should look at Florida's other options, where starting salaries are 30-50% higher even if long-term ceilings are lower.