Analysis
Florida International University's mechanical engineering program outperforms the state median by nearly $15,000 in first-year earnings and ranks in the 60th percentile among Florida's 16 ME programs—a solid showing for a school with a 59% admission rate that serves a predominantly middle-class student body (40% receive Pell grants). While it doesn't quite match flagship programs like UF or USF, graduates still earn above the national median and see healthy 17% earnings growth by year four, reaching $83,193.
The debt picture is reasonable at $19,750, slightly below the Florida average and yielding a manageable 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates owe roughly three months of their starting salary—not spectacular, but workable for an engineering degree. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) gives these numbers credibility.
For families seeking an engineering degree in South Florida without the pressure of ultra-competitive admissions, FIU delivers competent outcomes at a fair price. The earnings won't rival UF's top-tier numbers, but your student will graduate with less debt than most mechanical engineers nationwide and start earning above-average wages immediately. That's a practical foundation for a middle-class engineering career.
Where Florida International University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Florida International 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 International University | $71,335 | $83,193 | +17% |
| University of Miami | $66,843 | $93,219 | +39% |
| Florida Institute of Technology | $69,533 | $84,606 | +22% |
| University of Florida | $76,228 | $83,832 | +10% |
| University of Florida-Online | $76,228 | $83,832 | +10% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Florida International UniversityMiami | $6,565 | $71,335 | $83,193 | $19,750 | 0.28 |
 University of Florida-OnlineGainesville | $3,876 | $76,228 | $83,832 | $18,131 | 0.24 |
 University of FloridaGainesville | $6,381 | $76,228 | $83,832 | $18,131 | 0.24 |
 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach | $42,304 | $73,433 | $77,804 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
 University of South FloridaTampa | $6,410 | $70,046 | $81,750 | $23,783 | 0.34 |
 Florida Institute of TechnologyMelbourne | $44,360 | $69,533 | $84,606 | $27,000 | 0.39 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 International University, approximately 40% 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 169 graduates with reported earnings and 137 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.