Computer Software and Media Applications at Florida Polytechnic University

Florida Polytechnic delivers exceptional value in software education that most families overlook. Graduates earn $61,197 in their first year—ranking in the 80th percentile among Florida's eight software programs and crushing both the state median ($46,678) and national benchmark ($38,234) by substantial margins. Perhaps more impressive: students leave with just $7,500 in median debt, roughly a quarter of what graduates from similar Florida programs typically owe. That 0.12 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with less than two months' salary.

The numbers are particularly striking when you consider Florida Poly's accessibility. With a 56% admission rate and a third of students on Pell grants, this isn't an elite institution with sky-high barriers to entry. Yet it's outperforming nearly every other software program in the state—including options at much larger universities—while keeping debt remarkably low. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes without the volatility of very small programs.

For families weighing in-state options, this represents one of Florida's clearest educational bargains in technology. Your child gets strong earning potential right out of the gate with minimal debt burden, freeing up income for savings, further education, or simply financial stability in those critical early career years.