Software Development at Florida Polytechnic University

Lakeland, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $61,197/yr (32% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 32.4x earnings multiple (7.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Florida Polytechnic's unique, all-STEM focus means your entire experience is geared toward one thing: launching a high-impact tech career. The curriculum isn't a traditional computer science track diluted by other university requirements; it’s a hands-on, project-based immersion from day one. This structure produces graduates who can immediately contribute, making them highly sought after in Central Florida's booming I-4 corridor. You'll find strong recruiting pipelines into the defense, simulation, and enterprise software sectors in Orlando and Tampa, with major employers actively seeking this specific talent. While AI will automate routine coding tasks, your value will come from architecture, creative problem-solving, and systems thinking. Therefore, your key move is to aggressively pursue internships. The practical experience will be essential for proving you can tackle the complex, human-driven challenges that automation can’t solve.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Software Development graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $660K $640K $552K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 33.4x 32.4x 27.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.9x 7.6x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 65

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$19,760
Out-of-state: $84,020 (7.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$39,596
-100% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,875
1.5 months of Year 1 earnings

About Florida Polytechnic University

Florida Polytechnic University accepts 56% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 1,556 in Lakeland, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at Florida Polytechnic University →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Software Development at Other Schools

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Florida Polytechnic University's Software Development program score?
A score of 72/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Florida Polytechnic University's Software Development graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Software Development to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Software Development careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 70% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Florida Polytechnic University rank so high for Software Development?
The #8 ranking out of 55 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →