At $15,847/yr net price, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University graduates earn $44,349/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,349/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,847 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,388 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,349/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,349/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,548 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,203/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,574/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,489/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,721/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,999/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Certificate | $120,124 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $100,626 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,015 | |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $61,814 | $31,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $59,417 | $79,326 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,919 | $21,353 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $56,979 | $26,750 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $53,608 | $23,125 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 | $38,655 |
| Architecture. | Master | $49,136 |
The Risk Factor
51.9% of students at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University offers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The pharmacy program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually, making FAMU one of the better values for aspiring pharmacists among historically black colleges and universities.
Your program selection will determine whether FAMU pays off financially. Pharmacy and rehabilitation therapy graduates see strong returns that justify the investment. Construction engineering technology also delivers solid outcomes at $61,814 with manageable debt. However, many other programs lead to the school's modest median earnings of $44,349, which barely covers the annual net price of $15,847.
The 52% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. The high 86% retention rate from first to second year suggests academic struggles emerge later, potentially after you've already invested substantial time and money.
FAMU works best financially if you're committed to pharmacy or healthcare fields where the school has established programs and career pipelines. The relatively low net price makes it accessible for Florida residents, though you'll need to graduate and choose your major carefully to see positive returns.
You should look elsewhere if you're undecided about your major or interested in fields outside FAMU's strongest programs. The combination of modest overall earnings and graduation challenges creates financial risk for students without clear career direction. Florida residents have other public options that may offer better outcomes for general studies or liberal arts fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University worth the cost?
FAMU's value depends heavily on your major. Pharmacy graduates earn $100,000-$120,000 annually, making the $23,548 median debt manageable, but the overall 10-year earnings average of $44,349 is below the national average for college graduates.
What are the highest paying majors at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University?
Pharmacy programs at FAMU lead to the strongest financial outcomes, with graduates earning $100,000-$120,000 annually. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions ($59,000-$71,000) and construction engineering technology ($61,814) also offer solid returns on investment.
How much debt do Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University graduates have?
FAMU graduates carry a median debt of $23,548, which is reasonable compared to national averages. However, with overall graduate earnings averaging $44,349 after 10 years, debt-to-income ratios can be challenging outside of high-paying programs like pharmacy.
Does Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University have good graduation rates?
FAMU's 52% graduation rate is concerning and well below the national average for four-year universities. This means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees, creating financial risk without the benefit of a completed education.