Median Earnings (1yr)
$85,243
95th percentile
60th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$21,544
14% below national median

Analysis

University of Florida's electrical engineering program launches graduates into $85,000+ starting salaries while keeping debt manageable at $21,544β€”a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.25 that ranks among the nation's best financial outcomes. With graduates earning more than 95% of peers nationally in this field, UF clearly delivers exceptional preparation. However, the state-level picture reveals something interesting: this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Florida's 15 electrical engineering programs, with both University of South Florida and Embry-Riddle posting higher median earnings. For in-state students paying Florida tuition rates, this gap matters less than it might appear, since UF's selectivity and research opportunities often compensate for the modest earnings difference.

The 7% earnings growth to $91,478 by year four shows steady career progression, though graduates should expect more linear advancement than explosive salary jumps. What makes this program particularly compelling is the combination of strong starting pay with relatively low debtβ€”many engineering programs saddle graduates with $30,000+ in loans for similar outcomes.

**Bottom line:** Florida residents get an elite engineering education at a price point that makes this one of the state's smartest investments, even if a couple of Florida schools edge ahead on immediate earnings. Out-of-state students should compare carefully against their home state flagships, as the tuition premium may not justify the modest earnings advantage over other strong programs.

Where University of Florida Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Florida$85,243$91,478+7%
University of Central Florida$75,498$88,625+17%
Florida State University$72,425$88,060+22%
Florida International University$71,447$86,225+21%
Florida Atlantic University$76,520$85,244+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of FloridaGainesville$6,381$85,243$91,478$21,5440.25
University of South FloridaTampa$6,410$78,825$82,809$24,0000.30
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach$42,304$78,016β€”$25,0000.32
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton$4,879$76,520$85,244$22,2500.29
University of Central FloridaOrlando$6,368$75,498$88,625$26,8800.36
Florida State UniversityTallahassee$5,656$72,425$88,060$15,7500.22
National Medianβ€”$77,710β€”$24,9890.32

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

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 Florida, approximately 22% 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 141 graduates with reported earnings and 115 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.