Rankings / By State
Best Engineering Colleges in Florida
- 13
- Schools
- $63,061
- Avg. Earnings
- 67%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,136
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,711
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 13 schools run from $43,137 to $84,131, a 2.0× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of Florida delivers the most for the money: roughly $71,588 in median earnings against $6,541 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, University of Florida ($6,541 net price), still posts $71,588 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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University of Florida graduates 91% of its students, versus a 67% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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University of Florida carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.21× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 University of Florida ($71,588 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach ($84,131), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- University of Florida costs $6,541 a year and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach costs $41,272. Yet their graduates earn $71,588 and $84,131, nowhere near the $34,731 price gap.
- On value, University of Florida beats Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with University of Florida. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
Engineering is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $60K within a decade, and mechanical engineer roles are projected to grow 10%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Florida #1 overall | $71,588 ▲ +14% vs avg | $6,541 | 91% | 87 |
| 2 University of Central Florida #2 overall | $58,308 ▼ -8% vs avg | $10,411 | 77% | 79 |
| 3 University of South Florida #3 overall | $57,743 ▼ -8% vs avg | $9,812 | 76% | 77 |
| $60,249 ▼ -4% vs avg | $9,288 | 74% | 77 | |
| $61,675 ▼ -2% vs avg | $11,297 | 84% | 76 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Engineering Colleges in Florida
This analysis ranks 13 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $63,061 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 67% and an average net price of $17,136.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Florida — Net Price: $6,541 | Graduation Rate: 91%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Florida — 91% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach — Median alumni earnings: $84,131
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Engineering Talent Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about America’s engineering talent pipeline?
$59,279
Median earnings (10yr)
67%
Median graduation rate
$11,297
Median net price
2.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Engineering programs supply the people who build the physical economy: infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and the reshoring of advanced production. Earnings are high and unusually stable. ABET accreditation and licensure structure the field, and demand is being pulled forward by infrastructure spending and a wave of retirements.
The median graduation rate across these 13 schools is 67%. Median graduate earnings reach $59,279 ten years after enrollment, roughly $11,279 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $11,297 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $17,622. Some 27% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.4%.
What we’re seeing: ABET-accredited, co-op-heavy programs convert strong starting pay into durable careers, and reshoring keeps widening demand. Median earnings of $59,279 sit well above most fields. Engineering remains one of the most dependable returns in higher education.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Florida lands at #1 with a 87/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (76/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,541 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of Central Florida lands at #2 with a 79/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $58,308 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,411 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
University of South Florida lands at #3 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $57,743 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,812 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Florida International University lands at #4 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Florida State University lands at #5 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (71/100). Graduates earn a median $61,675 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,297 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Florida Atlantic University lands at #6 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (69/100). Graduates earn a median $56,746 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,752 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of West Florida lands at #7 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $49,137 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Florida Institute of Technology lands at #8 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $43,137 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $35,639 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Florida Gulf Coast University lands at #9 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (68/100). Graduates earn a median $54,560 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,568 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
University of Miami lands at #10 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $75,328 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $37,244 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Daytona Beach, FL · 65% accepted · $41,272 net
Why it ranks #11
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach lands at #11 with a 71/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $84,131 a decade after enrolling, 33% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,272 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
Why it ranks #12
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide lands at #12 with a 62/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $84,131 a decade after enrolling, 33% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,725 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Florida Polytechnic University lands at #13 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (31/100). Net price runs $11,853 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 13 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Mechanical Engineers and related roles — a field with $99,510 median pay and 10% projected growth.
See the Mechanical Engineer career guide →When considering engineering colleges in Florida, students and families are looking for programs that not only deliver rigorous education but also set graduates up for success in the workforce. The average earnings for graduates of these programs is $61,245, providing a benchmark for understanding potential outcomes.
What distinguishes the top engineering schools in Florida? Key metrics like graduation rates, average earnings, student debt, and post-graduation mobility play a crucial role. This list ranks schools based on how well they perform in these areas, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect when investing in an engineering education.
For example, the University of Florida stands out with impressive earnings of $71,588 and a graduation rate of 91%. In contrast, Florida Polytechnic University has a lower graduation rate of 54%, which may affect long-term career prospects. These differences highlight the importance of not only selecting a school with strong programs but also considering completion rates alongside potential earnings.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 10 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.4%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Florida International University leads the group at 5.2%, with Florida Institute of Technology (3.8%) and Florida Atlantic University (3.1%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 10.7% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. University of West Florida enrolls the most, at 27.9%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 26.8% across the list, peaking at 51.2% at Florida Institute of Technology.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.52, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and University of Miami is highest at 1.68.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
The data reveals that while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has the highest potential earnings at $84,131, it also carries a hefty net price of $41,272. In contrast, the University of Florida offers a strong balance with earnings of $71,588 and a much lower net price of $6,541, making it a more accessible option for many students.
As you evaluate these schools, consider your priorities: Are you willing to pay a higher net price for potentially higher earnings, or do you prefer a more affordable option with a strong graduation rate? Location and campus culture also matter—visiting schools can provide insight that data alone can't capture. Think about what environment will help you thrive academically and socially.
Ultimately, the choice of an engineering college can significantly impact your future. Graduating from a school with strong earnings and high graduation rates can lead to a more stable life. A family’s decision on where to invest in education can shape career trajectories and financial stability for years to come.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Engineering Colleges in Florida: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Engineering Colleges in Florida ranking? +
University of Florida in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Engineering Colleges in Florida ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $71,588 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 91% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach posts the highest median earnings on this list: $84,131 ten years after enrollment, well above the $63,061 average across the 12 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Florida leads: graduates earn a median $71,588 against net price of about $6,541 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Florida has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 91%, compared with a 67% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $17,136 a year across the 13 ranked schools with cost data. University of Florida is among the most affordable at roughly $6,541. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Engineering Colleges in Florida ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 13 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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