Median Earnings (1yr)
$85,243
95th percentile (60th in FL)
Median Debt
$21,544
14% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.25
Manageable
Sample Size
141
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Florida's electrical engineering program launches graduates into $85,000+ starting salaries while keeping debt manageable at $21,544—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 debt—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

University of FloridaOther electrical, electronics and communications engineering programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Florida graduates earn $85k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Florida$85,243$91,478$21,5440.25
University of South Florida$78,825$82,809$24,0000.30
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach$78,016$25,0000.32
Florida Atlantic University$76,520$85,244$22,2500.29
University of Central Florida$75,498$88,625$26,8800.36
Florida State University$72,425$88,060$15,7500.22
National Median$77,710$24,9890.32

Other Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs in Florida

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of South Florida
Tampa
$6,410$78,825$24,000
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach
$42,304$78,016$25,000
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton
$4,879$76,520$22,250
University of Central Florida
Orlando
$6,368$75,498$26,880
Florida State University
Tallahassee
$5,656$72,425$15,750

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.