Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,899 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,596 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,261/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,232/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,322/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,621/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,127/yr |
The Risk Factor
53.0% of students at Florida Polytechnic 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 Polytechnic gives you a strong financial return if you finish, largely because it costs so little. A net price under $10,000 a year paired with median debt of $14,250 means you can graduate owing less than the price of a used car. That debt load is low enough that almost any STEM salary clears it fast, and this school only offers STEM and engineering fields, so the earnings side tends to hold up.
The catch is finishing. A 53% graduation rate means nearly half of you won't walk out with a degree, and a dropout still owes the debt without the salary that pays it off. The 75% retention rate shows the biggest risk is the first year. If you're not solid in math and ready for an engineering course load, that low sticker price stops being a bargain and becomes money spent on credits that don't add up to a credential.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families the most. Under $30k, you pay about $6,261. between $48k and $75k it jumps to $11,322, and above $75k it lands near $14,600. The gap between the poorest and richest brackets is only about $8,000, so this is a cheap school across the board, not one that heavily discounts for wealth.
This school fits you if you want an engineering or computing career, you're confident you'll complete the program, and you want to keep debt near zero. The Lakeland location sits between Tampa and Orlando, both with tech and engineering employers. Look elsewhere if you're unsure about a technical major or need a wide range of programs, since there's no fallback field here if engineering doesn't work out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida Polytechnic University worth the cost?
Florida Polytechnic University offers a relatively low net price at $9,899 per year for a STEM-focused education, but the 53% graduation rate raises concerns about completion risk. The median debt of $14,250 is manageable if you graduate, but half of students don't finish their degree.
What is the return on investment for Florida Polytechnic University?
Florida Polytechnic University's ROI depends heavily on graduating and landing a STEM job, as the school focuses exclusively on engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics. The low cost helps, but the 53% graduation rate means significant dropout risk that could leave you with debt and no degree.
How much debt do Florida Polytechnic University graduates have?
Florida Polytechnic University graduates who borrow have a median debt of $14,250, which is below the national average. However, with a 53% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their degree and may still carry debt.
Which programs at Florida Polytechnic University have the best job prospects?
Florida Polytechnic University focuses entirely on STEM fields like computer science, engineering, and data analytics, which typically offer strong job prospects. The school's industry partnerships in Florida's tech corridor can help with internships and job placement for students who complete their degrees.