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 delivers solid financial returns at a bargain price, with graduates earning a median $56,746 annually while paying just $8,001 per year in net costs. Your total debt load averages $17,236, making this one of the more affordable paths to a bachelor's degree in Florida.
The nursing program stands out as your best bet for high earnings at $90,061, though you'll graduate with $40,000 in debt. Civil engineering offers comparable pay at $73,737 with typical debt levels. Education-focused majors like educational administration ($92,632) and curriculum instruction ($72,796) lead earnings, but these require graduate school and years of teaching experience first.
FAU's 64% graduation rate creates your biggest financial risk. More than one in three students never finish, meaning they face loan payments without degree benefits. The strong 84% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so in later years rather than dropping out immediately.
You're a good fit for FAU if you're Florida-focused, cost-conscious, and targeting healthcare or engineering. The school works well for students who need affordability while pursuing professional programs. Skip FAU if you're chasing prestige-dependent careers or need extensive alumni networks outside South Florida.
Financial aid reaches just 35% of students, reflecting the already low sticker price for in-state residents. Merit scholarships exist but aren't FAU's main value proposition. Your best strategy is maximizing the low base cost rather than hunting for additional discounts.
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.