Florida Atlantic University vs Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Florida Atlantic University comes out ahead: 75/100 to 28/100, a 47-point edge over Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Florida Atlantic University runs $8,752 a year against $13,739 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - $4,987 more a year, or about $19,948 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Florida Atlantic University graduates earn a median $56,746 against $44,349 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. The cost earns itself back in 8 years at Florida Atlantic University and 20.9 years at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Florida Atlantic University owing a median $17,236 versus $23,548 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.74 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Florida Atlantic Universi... | Florida Agricultural and ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $4,879 | $5,785 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,324 | $17,725 |
| Net Price (avg) | $8,752 | $13,739 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $35,008 | $54,956 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $38,800 | $31,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $56,746 | $44,349 |
| Graduation Rate | 62.6% | 53.3% |
| Payback Period | 8 yr | 20.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $17,236 | $23,548 |
| Monthly Payment | $183 | $250 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.74 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 63.8% | 49.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 61.7% | 40.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 66.1% | 20.6% |
| Enrollment | 23,757 | 7,582 |
| SAT Range | 1040-1200 | 1030-1180 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Florida Atlantic Uni... | Florida Agricultural... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $3,022 | $13,299 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $4,135 | $10,921 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $8,106 | $15,269 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,440 | $18,325 |
| $110,001+ | $16,854 | $20,332 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Florida Atlantic Uni... | Florida Agricultural... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $91,953 | $73,658 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $89,476 | $83,041 |
| Accounting | $77,465 | $85,522 |
| Architecture | $64,730 | $69,874 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $62,058 | $53,902 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $57,153 | $44,477 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $50,395 | $56,187 |
| Teacher Education | $56,073 | $50,736 |
| International Relations | $53,872 | $48,733 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $53,545 | $44,891 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $51,640 | $46,081 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $51,082 | $47,139 |
| Sociology | $50,983 | $31,167 |
| Social Work | $50,966 | $47,477 |
| Psychology | $48,754 | $39,472 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Florida Atlantic Uni... | Florida Agricultural... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 94 | 33 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 75 | 25 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 82 | 22 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 64 | 46 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 24 | 8 |
| Overall ROI Score | 75 | 28 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Florida Atlantic University clearly outperforms Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (75 vs 28), a 47-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Florida Atlantic University.
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Florida Atlantic University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.