At $8,001/yr net price, Florida Atlantic University graduates earn $56,746/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,746/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,001 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,746/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,746/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,236 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,120/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,760/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,772/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,665/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,235/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $92,632 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,061 | $40,000 |
| Taxation. | Master | $74,576 | $30,869 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $73,737 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $72,796 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,865 | $36,200 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,415 | $17,050 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,600 | $18,425 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,463 | $20,875 |
| Ocean Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,377 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
64.3% of students at Florida Atlantic University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Florida Atlantic University runs at a low cost with solid payoff. At roughly $8,000 a year net price, you carry a median debt near $17,000 after graduating, and you land around $56,700 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings gap is comfortable, and it's the main reason FAU works financially for most people who finish.
The strongest bets are nursing and engineering. Nursing pays the most among top programs and comes with the lowest debt of the group, which makes it the cleanest value on campus. Electrical and mechanical engineering land close behind on pay while keeping debt reasonable. Ocean engineering pays about the same but saddles you with the heaviest debt of the five, so the margin is thinner there. Computer engineering pays the least of the top group and carries higher debt, so weigh that before committing.
The real risk here is finishing. A 64% graduation rate means a meaningful share of students leave with debt and no degree, which flips the math from good to bad fast. Debt without a credential is the worst outcome at FAU, and it's not rare. The 84% retention rate says most of you make it past year one, but the gap between staying and graduating is where people get hurt.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families sharply. Under $30k, you pay about $3,100 a year. at $75-110k you pay closer to $14,700, and above $110k it tops $16,000. If your family earns under $48k, FAU is one of the cheaper four-year options you'll find. Above $110k, you're paying roughly five times what the lowest tier pays, so compare it against other in-state schools.
FAU fits you if you're heading into nursing or engineering and plan to finish. Look elsewhere if you're unsure about your major or your ability to graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida Atlantic University worth the cost?
Florida Atlantic University offers solid value with a low net price of $8,001 per year and moderate debt levels around $17,236. However, the 10-year median earnings of $56,746 are below national averages for college graduates, making ROI dependent on your specific program choice.
What are the highest paying majors at Florida Atlantic University?
Educational administration leads at $92,632 median earnings, followed by nursing programs at $90,061 and taxation at $74,576. These programs significantly outperform the university's overall graduate earnings average and justify the investment.
How much debt do Florida Atlantic University graduates have?
FAU graduates carry a median debt of $17,236, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low annual net price of $8,001 helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does Florida Atlantic University have good job outcomes?
FAU's 64% graduation rate is concerning, and the $56,746 median earnings lag behind typical college graduate outcomes. Job prospects vary dramatically by major, with healthcare and education programs performing much better than the overall average.