Computer Programming at William T McFatter Technical College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 would typically suggest manageable student debt, but the uncertainty here runs deeper than usual. While comparable computer programming certificate programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $44,000, Florida's own programs tell a strikingly different story—the median for similar credentials in the state is just $16,000. That's a $28,000 gap that should make any parent wary of relying too heavily on national benchmarks.

The estimated $13,000 debt load aligns closely with both state and national figures for these programs, which provides some consistency. But if Florida graduates actually earn closer to what peer programs report locally rather than nationally, you're looking at a nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio instead of the more favorable 0.3 estimate. The variation suggests these programs serve very different labor markets or student outcomes vary dramatically by region.

Given that only one Florida school has reportable data—and it shows the lower earnings figure—parents should treat the $44,000 estimate with considerable skepticism. Before committing, verify what McFatter's own graduates actually achieve in the local job market, because the financial picture could look radically different from what national peers suggest.