Mathematics at Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic's mathematics program produces graduates earning notably less than their peers both nationally and across Florida. First-year earnings of $41,866 fall well below the Florida median of $46,106 and lag behind what graduates earn at UCF, FSU, and even UF by $4,000-$9,000 annually. While earnings do grow 26% by year four, reaching $52,916, graduates still start their careers at a disadvantage compared to peers from other Florida public universities.

The debt picture offers some relief—at $22,755, borrowing sits close to state and national norms, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.54. Given FAU's accessible admission standards and substantial Pell enrollment, the program may serve students who need an affordable path to a math degree. However, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year.

For parents comparing options within Florida's state university system, the data suggests looking at UCF or FSU first if mathematics is the chosen path. Those programs deliver significantly higher starting salaries without dramatically different debt loads. FAU's program isn't prohibitively expensive, but it underperforms compared to readily available alternatives in the same state system.