Pasco-Hernando State College
Pasco-Hernando State College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Pasco-Hernando State College at a Glance
Pasco–Hernando State College (PHSC) is a public college in Florida with campuses in Pasco and Hernando counties. The college was established in 1967 by the Florida Legislature, and then opened to students in the fall of 1972. It is part of the Florida College System and has additional campuses in Brooksville, Dade City, New Port Richey, Spring Hill, and Wesley Chapel. The name of the school changed from Pasco-Hernando Community College to Pasco–Hernando State College in 2014.
1967
59 years old
9,886
Identity
Is Pasco-Hernando State College Worth It?
Pasco-Hernando State College is one of the strongest value propositions in higher education. At $5,203/year net price and $39,903 median earnings, graduates earn 7.7× their annual cost within a decade of enrolling.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 42% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: Pasco-Hernando State College delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Pasco-Hernando State College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in FL
Ranked #13 of 182 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Henry Ford College | 100 | $660 | $34,795 |
| #2 | Texas A & M International University | 100 | $3,637 | $48,386 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #5 | Pensacola State College | 91 | $3,957 | $36,739 |
| #6 | Gulf Coast State College | 90 | $4,709 | $38,359 |
| #13 | Pasco-Hernando State College | 80 | $5,203 | $39,903 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Pasco-Hernando State College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 12 in FL.
Best Programs at Pasco-Hernando State College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Pasco-Hernando State College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $5,203/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in FL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- New Port Richey, FL
- Student Body
- 6,900 students
- Graduation Rate
- 42%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $5,203
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $39,903
- Median Student Debt
- $9,535