Students at Broward College benefit from exceptionally low costs and minimal debt burdens, with typical borrowers leaving with just $7,500 in federal loans and a zero percent default rate.
The college provides crucial access for first-generation students and working families while maintaining strong connections to South Florida's healthcare, business, and education job markets.
Broward College serves as an accessible gateway to higher education in South Florida, enrolling large numbers of first-generation and Pell-eligible students while maintaining very low debt levels. Nearly half of students are first-generation college attendees, and 40% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the institution's role as a community anchor for families seeking affordable pathways to career advancement. The college's completion rates show room for improvement, with about 36% of students completing programs within six years, but those who do graduate often see meaningful earnings growth over time.
What distinguishes Broward College is its combination of very low student debt—typical federal loan debt is just $7,500—and programs that connect directly to in-demand local careers. Graduates earn a median of $41,939 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong outcomes in nursing, where graduates earn around $80,779, well above typical community college levels. The institution's location in Fort Lauderdale provides access to South Florida's diverse economy, from healthcare and education to business services.
As a large public college, Broward offers the scale and program variety that many students need while keeping costs manageable. For families prioritizing affordability and practical career preparation, it represents a low-risk entry point into higher education with clear pathways to both workforce entry and transfer to four-year institutions.
Broward College's program portfolio reflects the practical needs of South Florida's economy, with particular strength in healthcare, business, and education fields. Business Administration leads in scale with 343 graduates earning a median of $41,823, providing foundational skills for the region's diverse service economy. The college's nursing programs, though smaller in enrollment, deliver exceptional outcomes with graduates earning around $80,779—well above typical community college levels and competitive with four-year nursing programs.
Education-focused programs like special education yield solid earnings around $45,383, reflecting demand for skilled professionals in Florida's school systems. Even programs like Artificial Intelligence, with 102 graduates earning $44,356, demonstrate how Broward adapts its offerings to emerging workforce needs. The college's strength lies not in producing the highest-earning graduates, but in providing accessible, career-focused training that connects directly to stable employment opportunities throughout South Florida's healthcare, education, and business sectors.
Graduates of Broward College see steady earnings growth that reflects the practical, career-focused nature of their programs. Ten years after enrollment, typical graduates earn $41,939, with many seeing substantial increases from their six-year earnings of $33,772. This upward trajectory demonstrates how community college credentials can provide a foundation for long-term career advancement, particularly in fields like healthcare, business, and education where employers value both formal training and work experience.
The college's strongest financial outcomes come from its nursing programs, where graduates earn around $80,779 ten years out—substantially higher than typical community college levels and competitive with four-year nursing programs. Business Administration, the college's largest program with 343 graduates, produces median earnings of $41,823, while education-focused programs like special education yield around $45,383. These outcomes reflect Broward's connection to South Florida's economy, where healthcare, business services, and education represent major employment sectors with clear advancement pathways for skilled workers.
Broward College delivers exceptional affordability across all income levels, making higher education accessible to families who might otherwise struggle with college costs. Low-income students pay about $19,448 annually, middle-income families see costs around $21,803, and even higher-income students pay just $24,881—all well below typical four-year public university levels. This pricing structure reflects the community college model's emphasis on serving local students without creating financial barriers to entry.
Debt levels remain remarkably low for students who do borrow. Typical federal student loan debt is just $7,500, and Parent PLUS borrowing averages $8,673—both figures that represent minimal financial risk for most families. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Broward demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage even these modest debt levels. The combination of low sticker prices, substantial financial aid, and minimal borrowing requirements makes Broward one of the most financially accessible higher education options in South Florida, allowing students to focus on their studies and career preparation rather than worrying about overwhelming debt burdens.
Broward College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
