Analysis
Florida Gulf Coast's computer engineering graduates start significantly behind the pack—earning $60,746 in their first year puts them in just the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among Florida programs. That's $18,000 less than what University of Florida grads make and $14,000 below the state median. For context, this is the lowest starting salary among all major Florida engineering schools.
The program's saving grace is impressive earnings growth: graduates jump to $96,155 by year four, a 58% increase that outpaces most peers. The debt load of $25,000 is manageable and exactly matches the state median, giving graduates a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. So while students start behind, they don't carry extra debt burden while catching up.
The question is whether a slow start matters for your career trajectory. In computer engineering, first-year positions often set the foundation for advancement—lower initial salaries can mean missing out on competitive training programs or prestigious employers that launch stronger career paths. Unless there are compelling reasons to choose FGCU (location, scholarships, specific faculty), families should seriously consider how much that $18,000 starting gap matters, even if it eventually narrows.
Where Florida Gulf Coast University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer 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 | $60,746 | $96,155 | +58% |
| University of Florida | $87,949 | $100,248 | +14% |
| Florida State University | $78,941 | $94,745 | +20% |
| Florida Institute of Technology | $79,244 | $90,773 | +15% |
| Florida International University | $75,210 | $89,519 | +19% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFort Myers | $6,118 | $60,746 | $96,155 | $25,000 | 0.41 |
 University of FloridaGainesville | $6,381 | $87,949 | $100,248 | $22,562 | 0.26 |
 University of South FloridaTampa | $6,410 | $83,660 | $87,402 | $27,250 | 0.33 |
 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach | $42,304 | $79,276 | $88,652 | $26,146 | 0.33 |
 Florida Institute of TechnologyMelbourne | $44,360 | $79,244 | $90,773 | $25,125 | 0.32 |
 Florida State UniversityTallahassee | $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 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 66 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.