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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Central Florida 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida | $45,050 | $54,536 | +21% |
| Rollins College | $51,001 | $74,225 | +46% |
| Strayer University-Florida | $55,431 | $59,763 | +8% |
| DeVry University-Florida | $57,020 | $56,664 | -1% |
| University of South Florida | $45,357 | $50,844 | +12% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,368 | $45,050 | $54,536 | $20,896 | 0.46 | |
| $17,488 | $57,020 | $56,664 | $47,236 | 0.83 | |
| $13,920 | $55,431 | $59,763 | $56,517 | 1.02 | |
| $58,300 | $51,001 | $74,225 | $26,000 | 0.51 | |
| $5,656 | $47,342 | $49,126 | — | — | |
| $6,410 | $45,357 | $50,844 | $19,572 | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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.