Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University demonstrates modestly below average return on investment, ranking at the 22.3rd percentile nationally with earnings performance that reflects the institution's access mission rather than earnings maximization. Graduates earn $1,324 beyond expectations at the 61.1st percentile, indicating above average outcomes relative to student demographics and institutional characteristics. Median earnings reach $44,349, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally but positioned $5,767 below the peer median of $50,116. The university maintains debt levels of $23,548, slightly above peer median by $2,443, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53. This return profile reflects FAMU's role as an access-focused historically black university where opportunity creation takes priority over earnings optimization, serving 55.6% Pell-eligible students while delivering moderate post-graduation returns across diverse career paths.
FAMU graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth from early to mid-career periods. Median earnings rise from $36,153 six years after enrollment to $42,044 at eight years and $44,349 at ten years, representing 22.7% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 4,166 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures across diverse academic programs. Graduates earn $1,324 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing FAMU at the 61.1st percentile for earnings uplift relative to student demographics. Low-income graduates achieve $41,700 in median earnings, ranking at the 50th percentile nationally. The earnings distribution spans from $27,036 at the 25th percentile to $65,195 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 26.4% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, with medium confidence in this estimate based on program mix analysis.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes at FAMU show substantial variation across career paths and program selection. The gap between the 25th percentile ($27,036) and 75th percentile ($65,195) represents a 2.4:1 ratio, reflecting significant differences in field of study and post-graduation roles. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn the highest median at $69,195, while Applied Sociology graduates earn $31,111. Architectural Design graduates achieve $62,308, demonstrating strong outcomes in professional programs. Business Administration graduates earn $51,873, positioning them well above the institutional median. Earnings growth accelerates by 22.7% between the six-year and ten-year marks, with more than 4,000 graduates included in the ten-year earnings cohort providing robust outcome data across the university's program portfolio.
Financial justification for the investment.
Earnings outcomes span from $27,036 at the 25th percentile to $65,195 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.4:1 ratio that reflects substantial variation in career paths and program selection. Low-income graduates achieve $41,700 in median earnings, indicating moderate upward mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The earnings spread demonstrates that program choice significantly influences post-graduation outcomes, with health professions and technical programs delivering higher returns than liberal arts and social science fields.
Approximately 26.4% of FAMU graduates continue to graduate or professional study, with medium confidence in this estimate based on program mix analysis. This continuation rate reflects the university's role in preparing students for advanced education, particularly in health sciences, education, and social work fields requiring graduate credentials.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
Adult Health Nursing leads earnings outcomes with $69,195 median income, followed by Architectural Design at $62,308 and Artificial Intelligence at $59,031. Business Administration graduates earn $51,873, positioning above the institutional median, while Biology graduates earn $42,723 as preparation for graduate study. Health Services/Allied Health, the university's largest program with 214 graduates, produces median earnings of $36,452. The program diversity supports different career trajectories, from immediate workforce entry in business and health administration to graduate school preparation in sciences and social work. High-earning programs concentrate in professional fields requiring specialized training, while liberal arts programs provide broader preparation with moderate earning expectations. This program mix reflects FAMU's comprehensive university mission serving students across diverse career aspirations and professional goals.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Upper quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes span from $27,036 at the 25th percentile to $65,195 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.4:1 ratio that reflects substantial variation in career paths and program selection. Low-income graduates achieve $41,700 in median earnings, indicating moderate upward mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The earnings spread demonstrates that program choice significantly influences post-graduation outcomes, with health professions and technical programs delivering higher returns than liberal arts and social science fields.
