Real Estate at University of Central Florida

UCF's real estate program produces first-year earnings of $41,218—below both the Florida median ($48,238) and substantially under the national average ($54,665). While the 40th percentile ranking among Florida programs sounds middling, it's worth noting there are only seven such programs in the state, and Florida State's grads earn $14,000 more right out of the gate. Nationally, this program sits in just the 5th percentile, meaning 95% of real estate bachelor's programs deliver better initial earnings.

The debt load of $21,032 is reasonable and typical for the field, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51. That's actually better than many programs. The core issue here isn't crushing debt—it's that graduates aren't launching into the salary range you'd expect from a competitive real estate program at a selective university.

For a family considering this path, the question is whether UCF's location in Orlando's active real estate market will help their graduate overcome this earnings gap through networking and local opportunities, or whether starting nearly $7,000 behind the state median puts them at a lasting disadvantage. Given that Florida State produces notably stronger outcomes in the same state, families should understand they're not choosing the most financially advantageous real estate program available to Florida residents.