Degrees in computer science and engineering deliver the highest return on investment (ROI) for college students, according to a new analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. At Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s only university exclusively dedicated to STEM, 85% of students are pursuing these high-value degrees, positioning them for strong career outcomes and long-term success.
The analysis by Student Choice, a student loan referral service, outlined the national average return on investment for the two degrees five years after graduation. With its lower-than-average cost, Florida Poly makes its expected degree ROIs even greater:
| Degree | National Median Annual Wage | National Total Median Wage After 5 Years | Florida Poly ROI | National Average ROI |
| Engineering | $100,000 | $500,000 | 516.2% | 326.6% |
| Computer Science | $95,000 | $475,000 | 490.4% | 310.3% |
“The report clearly shows that students choosing careers in engineering and computer science degrees are on track to achieve strong salary growth and excellent job placement soon after graduation,” said Andy Oguntola, assistant vice president for enrollment management at Florida Poly. “Our competitive tuition and fees significantly enhance this, making these degrees even more accessible and valuable for our students.”
Florida Poly has the lowest tuition in the State University System and earned recognition during the 2024-2025 academic year as the No. 2 best value public college in the South by both U.S. News and World Report and Research.com. Overall, the University’s alumni earn the highest salaries in the State University System one year after graduation and do so with the least amount of debt.
Strong career prospects helped rising senior Mikala Furiato choose to major in mechanical engineering.
“I knew it’s a good career with a stable income and in high demand, so that helped me decide to go for it,” said Furiato, from Okeechobee, Florida. “Being at Florida Poly has given me a lot of opportunities because its small classes allow you to get a lot of professor-student time and learn from their connections and experience.”
Supporting the findings from Student Choice, a recent report from the World Economic Forum stated that the fastest-growing jobs over the next decade will be technology-related, including software developers, autonomous vehicle specialists, and environmental engineers
The report also identified critical skills that will be needed, such as artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, and technology literacy – all areas of focus at Florida Poly.
“Students have more choices than ever when selecting the major and school that are best for them, and the powerful earning potential of a high-quality STEM degree is a big factor for many,” Oguntola said. “Florida Poly’s nimble and industry-aligned curriculum, combined with our focus on both technical and soft skills, make our ROI truly immeasurable.”
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Lydia Guzmán
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