Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Central Florida

UCF's electrical engineering program sits in an interesting middle ground—it performs better than most Florida schools but trails the national average. Starting earnings of $75,498 land graduates at the 60th percentile among Florida programs, which is respectable given the state's competitive landscape in this field. However, the same graduates rank in just the 37th percentile nationally, suggesting that Florida's electrical engineering market may offer somewhat lower starting salaries than hotspots like California or Massachusetts.

The financial picture is solid. At $26,880 in median debt (36% of first-year earnings), students are borrowing reasonably, and the 17% earnings growth to $88,625 by year four indicates good career trajectory. When you consider that UCF serves a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients (33%) and maintains a 40% admission rate, these outcomes represent strong economic mobility for a broad cross-section of students.

The practical question is whether paying slightly more in debt ($5,000+ above the state median) for middle-of-the-pack national outcomes makes sense. If your student plans to stay in Florida, UCF delivers above-median results for the state. If they're eyeing opportunities in higher-paying markets elsewhere, programs like University of Florida ($85,243) might justify their additional selectivity. For families seeking solid engineering credentials without elite-school competition, UCF offers a proven path to a well-paying career, especially for students who will leverage Orlando's growing tech sector.