Mechanical Engineering at University of Central Florida

UCF's mechanical engineering program produces graduates who earn less than the national average but maintain reasonable debt levels, creating a middling value proposition. Starting salaries of $66,298 fall short of the $70,744 national median, ranking in just the 23rd percentile nationally. However, within Florida's competitive landscape, UCF performs closer to average at the 40th percentile, with earnings trailing top-tier programs like UF ($76,228) by about $10,000 annually.

The debt picture offers some reassurance, with graduates carrying $22,025 in median debt—slightly below both national and state averages. This translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, meaning graduates dedicate roughly one-third of their first-year salary to debt obligations. The program shows solid earnings growth of 25% by year four, reaching $82,542, which helps offset the modest starting point.

For families focused on cost-effectiveness, UCF delivers mechanical engineering training without the premium debt load of private competitors. While graduates won't command top-tier starting salaries, the combination of reasonable debt and steady earnings growth creates a sustainable career foundation. Given UCF's 40% admission rate and strong sample size of 100+ graduates, these numbers reflect consistent, reliable outcomes rather than outlier results.