Median Earnings (1yr)
$45,050
36th percentile (40th in FL)
Median Debt
$20,896
20% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.46
Manageable
Sample Size
563
Adequate data

Analysis

UCF's business program delivers solid financial outcomes with notably low debt, making it a practical choice for families concerned about college costs. With median debt of just $20,896—significantly below both national and Florida averages of $26,000—graduates enter the workforce with manageable financial obligations. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means students can reasonably expect to earn more than double their debt load in their first year, providing a comfortable cushion for loan repayment.

While the program's earnings rank in the 40th percentile among Florida business programs, this positioning reflects UCF's role as an accessible, mid-tier option rather than a premium program. First-year earnings of $45,050 trail the state median by about $1,300, but the 21% earnings growth to $54,536 by year four shows solid career progression. UCF graduates earn less than those from elite programs like Rollins College ($51,001) but comparable to other large state universities like USF.

The combination of reasonable earnings, exceptional debt management, and UCF's 40% admission rate makes this program particularly attractive for middle-class families. Your child would graduate with significantly less debt than typical business majors while still achieving respectable earning potential. For families prioritizing affordability without sacrificing career prospects, UCF's business program offers strong value.

Where University of Central Florida Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally

University of Central FloridaOther business/commerce programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Central Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Central Florida graduates earn $45k, placing them in the 36th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (19 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Central Florida$45,050$54,536$20,8960.46
DeVry University-Florida$57,020$56,664$47,2360.83
Strayer University-Florida$55,431$59,763$56,5171.02
Rollins College$51,001$74,225$26,0000.51
Florida State University$47,342$49,126——
University of South Florida$45,357$50,844$19,5720.43
National Median$47,506—$26,0000.55

Other Business/Commerce Programs in Florida

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
DeVry University-Florida
Orlando
$17,488$57,020$47,236
Strayer University-Florida
Tampa
$13,920$55,431$56,517
Rollins College
Winter Park
$58,300$51,001$26,000
Florida State University
Tallahassee
$5,656$47,342—
University of South Florida
Tampa
$6,410$45,357$19,572

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 University of Central Florida, approximately 33% 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 563 graduates with reported earnings and 492 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.