Florida Poly ranks No. 4 nationally for career outcomes

LAKELAND, Fla., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Polytechnic University ranked No. 4 in the nation and No. 1 among public universities for career outcomes, according to WalletHub's 2027 College & University Rankings, released Monday, Oct. 12.

For the third consecutive year, Florida Poly has earned a place among the country's top institutions for career outcomes, outperforming prestigious universities such as MIT, Yale, Duke, Harvard and Princeton.

"This national recognition shows the strength of Florida Poly's commitment to preparing students for successful careers in high-demand fields. By pairing academic excellence with hands-on industry experiences, we give our graduates a competitive edge as they enter the workforce," said Dr. Devin Stephenson, the University's president. "We are fast-tracking our graduates into influential, high-paying roles where they can begin making an impact on their industries from day one."

WalletHub evaluated 738 institutions for the 2027 rankings. Its career outcomes category analyzes six measures, including return on educational investment, percentage of graduates offered full-time employment within six months, and median salary after graduation.

As Florida's only university exclusively dedicated to STEM, Florida Poly delivers strong returns on its graduates' educational investment. Alumni earn an average of $93,600 five years after graduation, the highest in the State University System, according to MyFloridaFuture. This figure surpasses the statewide average by 33%.

"Our graduates are in high demand largely because of the experience they gain by tackling real-world challenges during their time at Florida Poly," said Bryan Brooks, vice president of student affairs, enrollment management and strategic communications. "Employers know that a Florida Poly degree represents solid technical expertise, adaptability and the skills needed to excel in today's emerging industries."

The new WalletHub ranking adds to Florida Poly's recent national recognition. In September, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University as the No. 1 public college in the South and the nation's No. 16 public engineering program without a Ph.D.

These achievements come as the institution experiences significant growth in enrollment, academic programs, and campus facilities. The University welcomed a record student body of more than 2,300 this fall, marking a 35% growth over two years.

To meet evolving industry demands, Florida Poly launched new bachelor's degrees in aerospace engineering and biomedical sciences, featuring a specialized pre-med track developed in partnership with the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM).

Campus development is keeping pace with the University's growth as well. Construction is expected to begin next spring on the Student Achievement Center (StAC), a 138,400-square-foot facility that will bring together academic support, career planning, professional development and engagement opportunities under one roof. The new center represents another step in Florida Poly's continued investment in student success, delivering a strong foundation for their future careers.

SOURCE Florida Polytechnic University