ARTICLE
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University has earned a Top-10 national ranking for graduates’ career outcomes in WalletHub’s 2026 College & University Rankings, released Monday, Oct. 13. This marks the second consecutive year Florida Poly ranks among the nation’s best for career success, placing it alongside elite institutions such as Caltech, Yale and Duke, and ahead of academic powerhouses such as Harvard, Notre Dame and MIT. The University also earned high rankings for affordability, placing No. 37 in the nation for best cost and financing and No. 5 among public universities. “We are honored to once again be recognized among the country’s top universities for career outcomes. This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our entire University to excellence in STEM education and professional readiness,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Poly. “Our graduates are exceptionally well prepared to take on the in-demand jobs driving the economy, and we remain dedicated to providing an affordable, high-quality education that makes a real difference.” Florida Poly is the state’s only university exclusively focused on STEM disciplines. Its full-time employed alumni earn a median wage of $66,800 one year after graduation, the highest among all state universities in Florida, according to the State University Database System and State Wage Interchange System. Graduates from the class of 2025 accepted positions at well-known companies such as Lockheed Martin, Aero Simulation Inc., Verizon, Honeywell, Lakeland Regional Health, Overhead Intelligence, L3 Harris Technologies and Duke Energy. In all, 99% of graduates accepted positions related to their majors, including graduate program enrollment. “At Florida Poly, students learn by doing and gain real experience that sets them apart. Through their required internship and yearlong capstone project, they develop the confidence and practical skills employers look for,” said Martha Seney, program director of career services at Florida Poly. “These experiences, combined with strong technical training, prepare our graduates to start their careers ready to make an impact.” In addition to its remarkable student outcomes, WalletHub highlighted Florida Poly’s superior cost and financing, ranking it No. 37 of more than 800 institutions evaluated. It ranks No. 5 in the category among public universities. At $4,940, the University’s tuition and fees are the lowest in Florida and have not increased since its first class enrolled in fall 2014. About 75% of Florida Poly students graduate without federal student loans, according to the U.S. Department of Education. For those who do have debt, it’s only about $14,250 – 64% lower than the national average of nearly $39,375. “At Florida Poly, we’re proud to offer a dynamic environment where talented students can grow, innovate and achieve their potential,” said Dr. Andy Oguntola, assistant vice president of admissions at Florida Poly. “Our community is dedicated to supporting every student’s success from day one, and these national rankings show the powerful difference our education makes in graduates’ lives and careers.” For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News. About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the No.1 public college in the South for five years in a row and No. 3 best value public school in the South by U.S. News and World Report. It is a top 30 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation for five years in a row. Florida Poly is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. It is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University has earned a Top-10 national ranking for graduates’ career outcomes in WalletHub’s 2026 College & University Rankings, released Monday, Oct. 13.
This marks the second consecutive year Florida Poly ranks among the nation’s best for career success, placing it alongside elite institutions such as Caltech, Yale and Duke, and ahead of academic powerhouses such as Harvard, Notre Dame and MIT.
The University also earned high rankings for affordability, placing No. 37 in the nation for best cost and financing and No. 5 among public universities.
“We are honored to once again be recognized among the country’s top universities for career outcomes. This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our entire University to excellence in STEM education and professional readiness,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Poly. “Our graduates are exceptionally well prepared to take on the in-demand jobs driving the economy, and we remain dedicated to providing an affordable, high-quality education that makes a real difference.”
Florida Poly is the state’s only university exclusively focused on STEM disciplines. Its full-time employed alumni earn a median wage of $66,800 one year after graduation, the highest among all state universities in Florida, according to the State University Database System and State Wage Interchange System.
Graduates from the class of 2025 accepted positions at well-known companies such as Lockheed Martin, Aero Simulation Inc., Verizon, Honeywell, Lakeland Regional Health, Overhead Intelligence, L3 Harris Technologies and Duke Energy. In all, 99% of graduates accepted positions related to their majors, including graduate program enrollment.
“At Florida Poly, students learn by doing and gain real experience that sets them apart. Through their required internship and yearlong capstone project, they develop the confidence and practical skills employers look for,” said Martha Seney, program director of career services at Florida Poly. “These experiences, combined with strong technical training, prepare our graduates to start their careers ready to make an impact.”
In addition to its remarkable student outcomes, WalletHub highlighted Florida Poly’s superior cost and financing, ranking it No. 37 of more than 800 institutions evaluated. It ranks No. 5 in the category among public universities.
At $4,940, the University’s tuition and fees are the lowest in Florida and have not increased since its first class enrolled in fall 2014. About 75% of Florida Poly students graduate without federal student loans, according to the U.S. Department of Education. For those who do have debt, it’s only about $14,250 – 64% lower than the national average of nearly $39,375.
“At Florida Poly, we’re proud to offer a dynamic environment where talented students can grow, innovate and achieve their potential,” said Dr. Andy Oguntola, assistant vice president of admissions at Florida Poly. “Our community is dedicated to supporting every student’s success from day one, and these national rankings show the powerful difference our education makes in graduates’ lives and careers.”
For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News.
About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the No.1 public college in the South for five years in a row and No. 3 best value public school in the South by U.S. News and World Report. It is a top 30 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation for five years in a row. Florida Poly is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. It is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.