Palm Beach State College ranks among the top 25 institutions nationally for earnings beyond expectations while maintaining exceptionally low costs. The combination of $7,081 median debt, $9,832 average net price, and strong earnings uplift creates outstanding value for students seeking affordable higher education with economic mobility potential.
With typical results, reflecting modest absolute earnings levels despite strong relative performance
With excellent performance, driven by low net prices and minimal debt burdens
With excellent performance, indicating substantial enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With excellent performance, reflecting strong earnings growth relative to student demographics
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisPalm Beach State College combines exceptional affordability with meaningful earnings growth for graduates. Students graduate with a median debt of just $7,081, ranking at the 88.0th percentile nationally for low debt levels and significantly below the peer median of $19,500.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 indicates highly manageable debt relative to income. Graduates earn $13,018 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the institution at the 89.2nd percentile for earnings uplift performance.
Students seeking strong affordability and access at a large public community college in Florida. Particularly suited for Pell-eligible students (38.1%) and first-generation students (49.4%) who prioritize low costs and transfer flexibility.
The Under-Resourced Institutions designation reflects limited resources but strong affordability outcomes for diverse student populations.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the Palm Beach State College hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/palm-beach-state-college/analysis.
Exceptional affordability and access
Palm Beach State College demonstrates top-tier performance across affordability, access, and mobility measures, ranking #101 nationally at the 95.0th percentile despite resource limitations. Located in Lake Worth, Florida, this large public community college enrolls 38.1% Pell-eligible students and 49.4% first-generation students, with 58.8% of students transferring in from other institutions.
The completion rate of 41.2% reflects the challenges common to community colleges serving diverse populations with varied academic preparation. Graduates earn $13,018 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 89.2nd percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
This combination of exceptional affordability, strong access, and meaningful earnings growth places Palm Beach State in the Under-Resourced Institutions category, where limited resources coexist with strong student-focused outcomes and economic mobility potential.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Palm Beach State College maintains exceptional affordability across all income levels, with costs well below peer institutions and national averages. In-state tuition stands at $3,050, while out-of-state students pay $10,910, reflecting the accessibility typical of Florida's community college system.
The average net price of $9,832 sits $4,338 below the peer median of $14,170, indicating strong financial aid effectiveness and inherently low sticker prices. Net prices vary modestly across income tiers, from $8,862 for the lowest-income families to $16,057 for the highest earners, representing a $7,195 spread.
This progressive structure ensures that students from all economic backgrounds can access affordable education, with the lowest-income families paying just 55% of what the highest-income families pay. The controlled costs contribute significantly to the institution's excellent affordability rating at the 92.9th percentile nationally.
Palm Beach State College graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings grow from $33,729 six years after enrollment to $38,259 at eight years and $41,923 at ten years, representing 24.3% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 8,298 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $13,018 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 89.2nd percentile for earnings uplift performance.
Low-income graduates earn $35,800, indicating strong outcomes relative to the institution's affordability and student demographics. Earnings span from $23,109 at the 25th percentile to $62,462 at the 75th percentile, reflecting program diversity and varied career paths.
Compared to a peer median of $57,624, graduates earn $15,701 less annually, though this gap is offset by significantly lower educational costs and debt burdens.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
114 graduates
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.
53 graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
234 graduates
While specific program-level earnings data is not available in the current dataset, Palm Beach State College maintains loan affordability analysis across three major program categories. Health Professions programs show strong early-career earnings potential, with graduates earning $81,997 two years after completion and $79,219 four years later.
Computer and Information Sciences programs demonstrate solid progression, with earnings growing from $51,273 at two years to $63,066 at four years. Business programs show steady advancement, with earnings rising from $36,039 to $48,399 over the same period.
All three program categories maintain excellent affordability ratings, with loan payments consistently under 8% of discretionary income and standard payoff timelines under 10 years for typical debt levels.
