Chemical Engineering at Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Tech's chemical engineering graduates start at $53,145—roughly $20,000 below what their peers earn at UF, FSU, or South Florida. Even accounting for the small sample size (under 30 graduates) that makes this data less reliable, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile among Florida's six chemical engineering programs and the 5th percentile nationally. For a field where starting salaries typically exceed $70,000, these outcomes fall notably short.

The $27,000 median debt is reasonable and keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.51, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first year's salary. But the real question is whether that first-year salary represents a temporary lag or a persistent gap. Chemical engineering typically offers strong mid-career growth, but starting this far behind peers could mean years of catch-up—or it might reflect different industry placement (smaller companies, different specializations) that affects long-term trajectory.

Given the small cohort, a few graduates in lower-paying roles could skew these numbers significantly. However, with five other options in Florida—including three state universities with demonstrated outcomes above $70,000—parents should carefully investigate why Florida Tech's numbers lag. Unless there's a compelling reason (specialized research opportunities, unique curriculum, proven placement in a specific niche), the $20,000 annual difference adds up to real money over a career.