Analysis
UCF's finance program offers solid middle-tier performance with one notable advantage: significantly lower debt loads. Graduates earn $56,415 in their first yearβabout 9% above the Florida median and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. While UCF trails elite programs like University of Florida and Miami by roughly $14,000 annually, it delivers comparable outcomes to Florida State at a fraction of the debt burden.
The debt picture is where UCF truly shines. At $18,843, student borrowing sits well below both the national median ($23,332) and Florida median ($20,021) for finance programs. This creates a highly manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, meaning graduates can realistically pay off loans within a few years rather than carrying debt for decades. The 19% earnings growth from year one to year four also suggests graduates build valuable skills that translate to career advancement.
For parents weighing costs against outcomes, UCF presents a financially prudent choice. Your child won't graduate with the highest starting salary in Florida finance, but they'll enter the workforce with minimal debt and solid earning potential. Given that many finance careers reward experience and networking over prestigious alma maters, UCF's combination of reasonable outcomes and low debt makes it a smart investment for most families.
Where University of Central Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services 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 | $56,415 | $66,928 | +19% |
| University of Miami | $70,352 | $89,692 | +27% |
| University of Florida | $70,663 | $83,279 | +18% |
| The University of Tampa | $51,845 | $76,735 | +48% |
| Florida State University | $56,516 | $75,328 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,368 | $56,415 | $66,928 | $18,843 | 0.33 | |
| $6,381 | $70,663 | $83,279 | $17,954 | 0.25 | |
| $59,926 | $70,352 | $89,692 | $14,500 | 0.21 | |
| $5,656 | $56,516 | $75,328 | $18,162 | 0.32 | |
| $6,118 | $55,882 | $70,927 | $21,239 | 0.38 | |
| $55,220 | $55,161 | $69,299 | $24,671 | 0.45 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590 | β | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
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 377 graduates with reported earnings and 311 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.