#United States #Lakeland #STEM Education #Florida Polytechnic University #WalletHub

Florida Polytechnic University Achieves National Recognition

Florida Polytechnic University, located in Lakeland, Florida, has once again made headlines with its impressive achievement in the realm of higher education. According to WalletHub's 2026 College & University Rankings, Florida Poly has earned a prestigious Top-10 national ranking for career outcomes among its graduates. Released on October 13, 2025, this recognition highlights the university's commitment to preparing students for successful careers in high-demand fields.

This marks the second consecutive year that Florida Poly has achieved this high ranking. The university finds itself in esteemed company, sharing the spotlight with prestigious institutions like Caltech, Yale, and Duke, while also surpassing traditional powerhouses such as Harvard, Notre Dame, and MIT. This accolade speaks volumes about the quality of education and career services offered at Florida Poly, particularly in the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Commitment to Excellence

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, expressed pride in this achievement. He stated, "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." Underlining the effectiveness of Florida Poly's educational approach, Stephenson pointed out that graduates are exceptionally prepared to meet the demands of the job market, emphasizing the university's dedication to providing an affordable, high-quality education.

One of the standout features of Florida Polytechnic is its exclusive focus on STEM disciplines. This is evident in the impressive statistics regarding its graduates. In fact, full-time employed alumni report a median salary of $66,800 just one year post-graduation, the highest among all state universities in Florida, according to data from the State University Database System and the State Wage Interchange System.

Industry Partnerships and Graduate Success

The university has a strong track record of placing graduates in reputable companies. The class of 2025 saw alumni accepted into renowned organizations, including Lockheed Martin, Verizon, Honeywell, and Duke Energy, among others. An astonishing 99% of graduates secured positions relevant to their fields or enrolled in graduate programs, reflecting the university's effectiveness in fostering career development.

Martha Seney, program director of career services, highlighted the hands-on learning experience that sets Florida Poly students apart from their peers. "At Florida Poly, students learn by doing and gain real experience that sets them apart. Through their required internships and yearlong capstone projects, they develop the confidence and practical skills employers look for," Seney explained. This hands-on approach, combined with a rigorous technical education, adequately prepares graduates to enter the workforce with the tools necessary to make impactful contributions.

Affordability and Accessibility

In addition to its impressive career outcomes, Florida Polytechnic also demonstrated excellence in affordability, ranking No. 37 among over 800 institutions evaluated by WalletHub for cost and financing. More significantly, it secured a noteworthy No. 5 position among public universities in this category. Tuition and fees at Florida Poly are the lowest in the state at $4,940, and they have remained unchanged since the university's inception in 2014.

Approximately 75% of students graduate debt-free, according to the U.S. Department of Education. For students who do incur debt, the average amount is just $14,250, significantly lower than the national average of nearly $39,375. This financial accessibility allows more students to pursue their educational goals without the burden of overwhelming debt.

Dr. Andy Oguntola, assistant vice president of admissions, expressed pride in the supportive environment Florida Poly offers to its students, stating, "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."

Florida Polytechnic University's continued recognition as a top institution not only affirms its dedication to STEM education but also serves as a beacon of hope for prospective students seeking a quality education combined with excellent career outcomes. With a focus on yielding high graduate employment rates alongside affordability, Florida Poly is undoubtedly paving the way for future generations of leaders in technology and innovation.