# Best Engineering Colleges in Florida

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 15 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-engineering-florida

## Methodology

Engineering programs in Florida ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Key Findings

- University of Florida graduates earn an average of $71,588, significantly higher than the state average of $61,245.
- Embry-Riddle graduates face a high net price of $41,272 but can expect earnings of $84,131, making the investment potentially worthwhile.
- University of Central Florida has a graduation rate of 77%, which is above the average of 66%, indicating a stronger student support system.
- Florida Polytechnic University has the lowest graduation rate at 54%, suggesting potential challenges for students in completing their degrees.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida) | Gainesville, FL | 91% | $71,588 | $6,541 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 2 | [University of Central Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-central-florida) | Orlando, FL | 77% | $58,308 | $10,411 | $18,190 | 0.31x |
| 3 | [University of North Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-florida) | Jacksonville, FL | 69% | $56,343 | $10,154 | $15,531 | 0.28x |
| 4 | [Florida International University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-international-university) | Miami, FL | 74% | $60,249 | $9,288 | $16,500 | 0.27x |
| 5 | [University of South Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-florida) | Tampa, FL | 76% | $57,743 | $9,812 | $17,988 | 0.31x |
| 6 | [Florida State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-state-university) | Tallahassee, FL | 84% | $61,675 | $11,297 | $18,000 | 0.29x |
| 7 | [Florida Atlantic University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-atlantic-university) | Boca Raton, FL | 63% | $56,746 | $8,752 | $17,236 | 0.3x |
| 8 | [University of West Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-west-florida) | Pensacola, FL | 60% | $49,137 | $9,364 | $16,624 | 0.34x |
| 9 | [Florida Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-institute-of-technology) | Melbourne, FL | 64% | $43,137 | $35,639 | $27,000 | 0.63x |
| 10 | [Florida Gulf Coast University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-gulf-coast-university) | Fort Myers, FL | 57% | $54,560 | $12,568 | $17,622 | 0.32x |
| 11 | [University of Miami](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-miami) | Coral Gables, FL | 84% | $75,328 | $37,244 | $17,500 | 0.23x |
| 12 | [Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/embry-riddle-aeronautical-university-daytona-beach) | Daytona Beach, FL | 67% | $84,131 | $41,272 | $23,666 | 0.28x |
| 13 | [Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-agricultural-and-mechanical-university) | Tallahassee, FL | 53% | $44,349 | $13,739 | $23,548 | 0.53x |
| 14 | [Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/embry-riddle-aeronautical-university-worldwide) | Daytona Beach, FL | 21% | $84,131 | $18,725 | $23,666 | 0.28x |
| 15 | [Florida Polytechnic University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-polytechnic-university) | Lakeland, FL | 54% | N/A | $11,853 | $14,250 | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Engineering Colleges in Florida." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-engineering-florida

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.