Nursing at The College of the Florida Keys

Key West, FL · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

a smaller institution with 823 students in Key West, FL.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $63,813/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 126.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $63,813 far exceeding the $18,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

The College of the Florida Keys ranks #223 among 947 Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 25% earnings increase from $63,813 to $80,004 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

86 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
80
Low End
86
Score
87
High End
Earnings $63,813/yr (-8% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$834K
5.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
127.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$6,558
Out-of-state: $26,324
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,004
25% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

What can you do with a Nursing credential from The College of the Florida Keys? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at The College of the Florida Keys

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 86/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Nursing at The College of the Florida Keys?
A score of 86/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. The College of the Florida Keys's Nursing graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at The College of the Florida Keys?
Our scenarios model 39% of Nursing tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. The College of the Florida Keys's 86/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
How affordable is Nursing at The College of the Florida Keys?
At $18,000 in median debt, Nursing graduates from The College of the Florida Keys carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Why does The College of the Florida Keys rank so high for Nursing?
Among 947 Nursing programs, The College of the Florida Keys's #223 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Nursing graduates?
There are 4 registered apprenticeships connected to Nursing occupations, such as Home Health Director and Long Term Care Nurse Management. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Nursing graduates?
At 292,500 annual openings, Nursing has a very large employment base. The College of the Florida Keys graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →