Students at Chipola College benefit from some of the lowest college costs in the entire country, with net prices that make higher education accessible to families who might otherwise find it financially impossible.
The college's exceptional affordability, combined with its focus on first-generation students, creates genuine educational opportunities in an underserved region of Florida.
Chipola College stands out primarily for its exceptional affordability, ranking in the top 0.2% nationally for keeping costs low across all income levels. This small public college in Marianna, Florida, serves a substantial population of first-generation students—over 50% of the student body—while maintaining net prices that are among the lowest in the country. Low-income students pay just $118 annually, while middle-income families face costs of only $2,531 per year, making higher education accessible to families who might otherwise find college financially impossible.
While Chipola's earnings outcomes are more modest compared to four-year research universities, the institution fulfills an important role as an "Opportunity Builder"—providing broad access to students who need it most, even if long-term earnings don't reach the levels seen at more selective institutions. Graduates earn a median of $37,378 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the college's focus on foundational education and transfer preparation rather than high-earning professional programs.
For students who need an affordable entry point into higher education, particularly those planning to transfer or seeking basic career preparation, Chipola College offers financial accessibility that few institutions can match. The combination of rock-bottom prices and reasonable completion rates makes it a viable option for cost-conscious families throughout Florida and beyond.
Chipola College maintains a focused program portfolio that emphasizes practical, career-oriented education and transfer preparation. Business Administration and Management serves as the college's primary program, graduating about 28 students annually with early-career earnings around $32,925. This program provides foundational business skills that prepare students for administrative roles in local and regional markets, or for transfer to four-year institutions to complete bachelor's degrees in business fields.
The college's program mix reflects its community college mission, emphasizing accessible education that serves local workforce needs and provides pathways to continued education. While the earnings outcomes are modest compared to specialized four-year programs, they represent realistic returns for students entering the job market with associate-level credentials or foundational training. The focus on practical skills and transfer preparation aligns with the needs of students who often balance educational goals with work and family responsibilities.
For many students, Chipola's programs serve as stepping stones rather than final destinations. The affordable costs and foundational curriculum make it an attractive option for students planning to transfer to four-year institutions, where they can build on their Chipola education while having saved substantial money on their first two years of college coursework.
Graduates of Chipola College earn a median of $37,378 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution on the lower end of the national earnings distribution. This reflects the college's role as a community college focused on foundational education, transfer preparation, and basic career training rather than high-earning professional programs. The modest earnings levels are consistent with the institution's mission and the types of programs it offers, though they do mean that graduates typically don't see the same financial returns as those from four-year research universities.
The college's program portfolio is relatively focused, with Business Administration and Management representing the primary area of concentration. This program graduates about 28 students annually with median early-career earnings around $32,925, providing a practical pathway into business and administrative roles. While the earnings levels are moderate, they reflect realistic outcomes for students entering local and regional job markets with associate-level credentials or foundational business training.
For many Chipola students, the value proposition centers on affordability rather than maximum earnings potential. The extremely low net prices mean that graduates typically carry minimal debt, which can make modest earnings more sustainable than higher earnings coupled with substantial loan obligations. This approach works particularly well for students who plan to continue their education elsewhere or who prioritize financial stability over maximum income growth.
Chipola College delivers exceptional affordability that ranks among the best in the nation. Low-income students pay just $118 per year—an extraordinarily low figure that makes higher education accessible to families with very limited financial resources. Middle-income families face annual costs of only $2,531, while the college maintains transparent, predictable pricing that helps families plan their educational investments without financial stress.
The college's affordability extends beyond just low sticker prices to include minimal borrowing requirements for most students. With such low net prices, many families can cover costs through grants, work-study, and modest family contributions without taking on significant debt. When families do choose to borrow, Parent PLUS loans average about $9,387—a manageable level that reflects the institution's commitment to keeping total educational costs within reach of working families. The combination of low prices and minimal borrowing creates a sustainable financial model that allows students to focus on their studies rather than worrying about accumulating debt.
Chipola College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
