Economics at Florida Gulf Coast University

An economics degree from Florida Gulf Coast carries barely half the debt load of most programs—just $12,754 compared to a $21,500 state median—but the earnings tell a more complex story. That first-year salary of $47,344 sits right at Florida's median for economics graduates, placing it in the 60th percentile among state programs. However, it lags the national median by about $4,400, landing in just the 32nd percentile nationwide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 is remarkably healthy, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with roughly three months of gross income.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, so treat them as directional rather than definitive. Still, the pattern is clear: FGCU economics graduates emerge with minimal debt but somewhat modest starting salaries compared to peers at Florida's larger research universities like UF or FSU. For a family prioritizing low debt over maximum earning potential, that tradeoff makes sense. For students eyeing competitive finance or consulting roles where the brand name matters, the regional focus of FGCU and its middle-of-the-pack earnings might be limiting. This works best for students planning to stay in Southwest Florida's job market, where keeping debt minimal and building local connections could outweigh the prestige differential.