About Florida Institute of Technology
Students pay an average net price of $35,300 after financial aid, considerably less than the $59,900 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $80,275 five years after graduation, making the typical $27,000 in student debt manageable with $286 monthly payments. Only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a largely middle and upper-middle class student body. The investment pays off with a 92% employment rate.
The student body skews heavily male at 67%, reflecting the engineering focus. With 13 varsity sports and $4.4 million in athletic scholarships, Florida Tech competes in NCAA Division II. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentoring relationships crucial for research opportunities. The 77% retention rate suggests students find their academic fit, though the 66% four-year graduation rate indicates the rigorous coursework takes time to complete.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.5%
- Retention Rate
- 77.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,137
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $80,022 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $75,787 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $69,338 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $67,660 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,324 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,557 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,486 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $63,997 |
| Air Transportation. | Master | $61,064 |
Campus Life
Melbourne's proximity to Kennedy Space Center gives the campus an aerospace vibe that matches the school's reputation for launching NASA astronauts and test pilots. Students often head to nearby Cocoa Beach on weekends, trading textbooks for surfboards. The Panthers compete in 13 Division II sports, though with only 347 total athletes, most students focus on academics over athletics. Campus traditions revolve around the engineering culture, with robotics competitions and hackathons drawing crowds. The semester system keeps students busy, but the small city setting means everything is walkable. Winter coats gather dust while sunscreen becomes a daily necessity.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,034 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1958
Campus Safety (2023)
310 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 124 | 124 | 2 | 2 |
| Rape | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 51°–71°F
- July Avg
- 73°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 67.3%
- Women
- 32.7%
- White
- 54.3%
- Black
- 4.9%
- Hispanic
- 16.0%
- Asian
- 2.5%
- In-State Students
- 38.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.1%
Location
- Address
- Melbourne, Florida 32901-6975
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,137
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $80,275
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 37.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Florida Institute of Technology?
Florida Tech accepts 64% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1220. The engineering-focused university attracts students serious about STEM careers, with admitted students typically scoring between 1120-1320 on the SAT.
How much does Florida Institute of Technology cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $35,300 annually after aid, down from the full tuition of $44,360. Only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's appeal to middle and upper-middle class families seeking specialized technical education.
What is Florida Institute of Technology known for academically?
Florida Tech specializes in engineering and technology with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that enables hands-on research opportunities. The university has built strong industry connections since 1958, particularly in aerospace and ocean engineering fields.
What are the career outcomes like for Florida Institute of Technology graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $69,606 one year after graduation, with 92% finding employment. The school's focus on practical STEM education and industry partnerships helps explain why alumni like NASA astronaut Jerome Apt have achieved notable success in technical fields.
Where is Florida Institute of Technology located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Melbourne, Florida, housing 2,034 students in a small city setting near the Space Coast. With 67% male enrollment and 347 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division II, the campus reflects its technical focus while offering traditional college experiences.
Does Florida Institute of Technology have strong connections to the aerospace industry?
The university's location near Kennedy Space Center and alumni like test pilot Scott Crossfield demonstrate deep aerospace ties. Students benefit from proximity to major aerospace employers and research facilities, with the school's 66% four-year graduation rate reflecting focused career preparation in technical fields.
