Analysis
Drawing on outcomes from other computer engineering programs in Florida, FAMU's estimated debt load of $23,346 appears manageable against first-year earnings of around $75,210. That 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would likely owe less than four months of their starting salary—a reasonable burden for an engineering degree. The estimated earnings figure sits right at Florida's state median, though notably below what University of Florida and USF graduates command.
The real question is whether these state-level estimates accurately reflect FAMU's specific outcomes. With a 56% Pell grant rate—far higher than flagship programs—FAMU serves a different student population that might face distinct career trajectories. The school's selectivity (21% admission rate) and student profile suggest strong academic preparation, but the suppressed data means we're missing the actual earnings and debt picture for FAMU graduates specifically.
If these estimates hold true, your child would enter the workforce with less debt than the national median for computer engineering programs while earning competitively within Florida. However, the gap between FAMU's estimated outcomes and the state's top programs ($12,000-15,000 annually) could compound significantly over a career. For families prioritizing affordability and access to engineering credentials, this looks promising. For those seeking maximum earning potential, understanding why FAMU's data is suppressed—likely small graduating cohorts—matters when evaluating program maturity and employer connections.
Where Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,785 | $75,210* | — | $23,346* | — | |
| $6,381 | $87,949* | $100,248 | $22,562* | 0.26 | |
| $6,410 | $83,660* | $87,402 | $27,250* | 0.33 | |
| $42,304 | $79,276* | $88,652 | $26,146* | 0.33 | |
| $44,360 | $79,244* | $90,773 | $25,125* | 0.32 | |
| $5,656 | $78,941* | $94,745 | $23,346* | 0.30 | |
| National Median | — | $78,952* | — | $24,500* | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, approximately 56% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.