Analysis
Florida Gulf Coast's biomedical engineering program sits solidly in the middle tier when you look at the state's eight offerings—ranking at the 60th percentile means it outperforms half the competition in Florida, including the University of Florida. The $63,000 starting salary trails only University of Miami among major programs, while the $23,000 median debt aligns perfectly with both state and national norms. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, graduates face manageable repayment that should take roughly three years of focused payments.
The catch? These numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, so they're more of a directional signal than a guarantee. That said, the trajectory looks solid: earnings climb 14% to $71,600 by year four, putting graduates near the national 75th percentile by that point. This suggests the program successfully prepares students for career advancement, not just entry-level positions.
For families watching costs, this represents a reasonable path into biomedical engineering without the price tag or admission pressure of Florida's flagship universities. The 77% admission rate makes it accessible, and the debt load won't saddle your child with years of financial stress. Just understand you're working with limited data—these results could shift significantly as more graduates enter the workforce.
Where Florida Gulf Coast University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biomedical/medical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Florida Gulf Coast University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Gulf Coast University | $62,972 | $71,611 | +14% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $70,696 | $116,182 | +64% |
| Northwestern University | $68,592 | $108,516 | +58% |
| Florida International University | $62,254 | $80,974 | +30% |
| University of Miami | $67,064 | $78,561 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Biomedical/Medical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,118 | $62,972 | $71,611 | $23,000 | 0.37 | |
| $59,926 | $67,064 | $78,561 | $18,425 | 0.27 | |
| $6,565 | $62,254 | $80,974 | $22,801 | 0.37 | |
| $6,381 | $60,524 | — | $20,253 | 0.33 | |
| National Median | — | $64,660 | — | $23,246 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biomedical/medical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
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 Gulf Coast University, approximately 29% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.