EDsmart: Florida Poly top school for return on investment

Florida Polytechnic University Ranks Among Top 20 U.S. Universities for Return on Investment

Florida Polytechnic University is making waves nationally as one of the top 20 universities in the country for return on investment (ROI), outperforming some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions. This recognition comes from a recent analysis by EDsmart, a data-driven college ratings publisher.

EDsmart evaluated 1,755 four-year colleges across the United States and ranked Florida Poly among the schools offering the highest-value degrees based on cost, boasting an impressive ROI of 163%. This figure is 15 percentage points higher than the national average ROI of elite universities such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT.

Located in Lakeland, Florida Poly holds its own against longer-established universities like California State University and the City University of New York. Andy Oguntola, Florida Poly’s assistant vice president for enrollment management, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “Florida Poly continues to prove that students don’t need to attend an Ivy League school to achieve outstanding career success. Our graduates’ strong return on investment shows how affordable, high-quality STEM education can lead to incredible outcomes.”

Strong Earnings and Low Debt Among Graduates

Florida Poly graduates earn the highest median salaries among all institutions in the State University System just one year after graduation, according to the state’s Board of Governors. Additionally, they carry the lowest student debt, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.

Since its opening in 2014, Florida Poly has maintained its tuition rates without any increases, offering the lowest tuition among Florida’s public universities. Provost Brad Thiessen highlighted the university’s commitment, saying, “As we continue to grow and innovate, our commitment to affordability and student success will keep Florida Poly among the nation’s top institutions. These rankings are just the beginning of what’s ahead.”

How ROI Was Calculated

EDsmart’s analysis defines ROI as the amount a graduate earns for every dollar invested in their degree. The organization utilized data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, considering factors such as total degree cost, average time to complete a degree, and average salary six years post-graduation.

Tyson Stevens, EDsmart founder and CEO, remarked, “Prestige isn’t the same as payoff. Our analysis shows many regional schools deliver more value on this ROI metric than elite peers.”

High-Value Degrees Driving Success

In August, student loan referral service Student Choice reported that degrees in computer science and engineering deliver the highest ROI for college students nationally, with averages of 310% and 326%, respectively. At Florida Poly, where the majority of students pursue these in-demand degrees, the ROI surpasses even these impressive numbers.

Additional Accolades

Florida Polytechnic University has also earned distinction for academic excellence, career outcomes, and affordability, including:

– Ranked No. 1 public college in the South for five consecutive years
– No. 1 for highest alumni wages among Florida’s state universities, with a median salary of $66,800 one year after graduation

These rankings and recognitions underscore Florida Poly’s dedication to providing affordable, quality STEM education that equips students for successful careers.

For prospective students and families seeking a high-value education with strong career prospects, Florida Polytechnic University offers compelling proof that outstanding outcomes are achievable without attending traditional elite institutions.
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