Students at Florida State College at Jacksonville benefit from exceptional affordability, with some of the lowest net prices in the nation across all income levels.
The college provides crucial access to higher education while maintaining strong loan repayment outcomes for graduates who complete their programs.
Florida State College at Jacksonville serves as an accessible entry point into higher education, though it faces challenges in delivering strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates. While Azimuth's composite ranking places the institution lower in the national distribution of four-year public colleges, FSCJ excels in one critical area: affordability. Low-income students pay just $664 annually, and middle-income families face costs of only $5,084 per year, making it one of the most affordable public institutions in the country.
The college serves a diverse student body, with about 33% receiving Pell Grants and 44% being first-generation college students. However, graduation rates remain a significant concern, with only 32% of all students completing degrees within six years and just 22% of Pell recipients graduating in that timeframe. These completion challenges contribute to the institution's placement in the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category.
Despite these obstacles, FSCJ provides valuable opportunities for students who do complete their programs, particularly in high-demand fields like nursing, where graduates can earn competitive salaries. The institution's strength lies in serving students who might not otherwise access higher education, offering them a low-risk financial pathway to credential attainment in Florida's growing job market.
Florida State College at Jacksonville's program portfolio reflects its focus on practical, career-oriented education in high-demand fields. Business Administration dominates enrollment with 222 graduates, making it the college's economic engine despite producing moderate earnings outcomes around $42,793. The program's large scale provides broad workforce preparation for Florida's service and commerce sectors, though financial returns remain modest compared to more specialized fields.
The college's nursing program represents its strongest value proposition, graduating 99 students annually who earn a median of $68,563 ten years out. This substantial earnings premium reflects the high demand for healthcare professionals in Florida and the program's success in preparing students for well-compensated roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. The nursing program's outcomes significantly exceed the institutional average, demonstrating FSCJ's ability to deliver strong returns in specialized professional fields.
Emerging technology programs like Cloud Computing, while smaller with just 28 graduates, show promise with early-career earnings around $45,305. These newer programs reflect FSCJ's efforts to align with Florida's growing technology sector and provide students with skills in high-demand areas. The college's program mix emphasizes practical training over theoretical study, preparing graduates for immediate workforce entry in sectors where associate and bachelor's level credentials provide clear career pathways.
Graduates of Florida State College at Jacksonville earn a median of $42,244 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower quartile nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. However, graduates do achieve earnings that are about $3,474 higher than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting the college provides some value beyond what might be expected given its student profile and resources.
The strongest financial returns come from the college's nursing program, where graduates earn a median of $68,563 ten years out, reflecting the high demand for healthcare professionals in Florida. Business Administration, the college's largest program with 222 graduates, produces more modest outcomes with median earnings of $42,793, while the smaller Cloud Computing program shows promise with graduates earning around $45,305 early in their careers.
While overall earnings lag behind many four-year institutions, FSCJ's programs do prepare students for stable employment in growing sectors of Florida's economy. The college's focus on practical, career-oriented fields like nursing, business, and technology provides graduates with marketable skills, even if the long-term earning potential doesn't match that of traditional four-year universities. For students who complete their programs, the combination of very low debt levels and steady employment prospects creates a foundation for financial stability, if not exceptional wealth building.
Florida State College at Jacksonville stands out as one of the most affordable public institutions in the nation. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $664 per year, while middle-income families face annual costs of only $5,084. Even high-income families pay a relatively modest $8,994 annually, making FSCJ accessible across all income levels. These exceptionally low prices place the college in the top tier nationally for affordability, ranking in the 98th percentile.
Debt levels remain very manageable for students who do borrow. Typical graduates leave with about $13,562 in federal student loan debt, well below national averages for four-year institutions. Parent PLUS borrowing is also modest at $10,200 on average, reflecting the institution's low sticker prices and the financial profile of families it serves. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates who do borrow are generally able to manage their debt obligations successfully.
The combination of extremely low net prices and modest debt levels creates a low-risk financial proposition for students and families. While long-term earnings may not be as high as at other institutions, the minimal upfront investment means that even graduates with moderate incomes can achieve positive returns on their educational investment relatively quickly. This affordability structure makes FSCJ particularly valuable for students who need to minimize financial risk while pursuing post-secondary credentials.
Florida State College At Jacksonville Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
