Economics at Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic's economics program outperforms most Florida competitors while keeping debt manageable. At $56,091 four years out, graduates earn more than the state median and rank in the 60th percentile among Florida economics programs—beating larger state schools like UCF, USF, and FSU. The $25,111 median debt sits slightly above both state and national averages, but the 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio remains reasonable, requiring roughly half a year's salary to pay off loans.

The program does trail the national median by about $4,000 after four years, landing in just the 38th percentile nationally. However, for families prioritizing in-state tuition, this comparison matters less than the fact that FAU delivers stronger outcomes than most Florida alternatives. The 15% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are finding career traction, not just entry-level jobs. With 35% of students receiving Pell grants and a 73% admission rate, FAU serves a broad student base while producing competitive results.

For a family weighing Florida public universities, FAU's economics program represents solid value—especially if your student can minimize borrowing through scholarships or in-state tuition. The combination of moderate debt and above-average Florida earnings makes this a financially sensible choice within the state system.