Florida Institute of Technology logo

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, FL Private ยท Urban www.fit.edu
Accept Rate
62.53%
Grad Rate
66.3%
Enrollment
3,235
Avg SAT
1213
Tuition
$44,360
Median Salary
$43,137
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Florida Tech feels like a launchpad for future scientists and engineers, buzzing with the energy of hands-on projects and research labs. The campus has a tight-knit, collaborative atmosphere where students are united by a shared passion for innovation and exploration. It's a place where you'll likely be working alongside professors on real-world problems rather than just listening to lectures.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

62.53%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 121375th Pctl
11301320
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2775th Pctl
2328
1122436

Admissions Tips

1. Highlight your passion for STEM in your application. Showcase any relevant projects, robotics competitions, coding experience, or science fair achievements, as this is what the admissions committee values most. 2. Demonstrate strong quantitative skills. Since the average SAT math score is a key component, ensure your math and science grades are solid and consider subject tests in these areas. 3. Apply early to secure your spot and maximize your chances for merit-based scholarships, as the admissions process can be competitive for qualified applicants.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1213
40080012001600
School range: 1130โ€“1320

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Florida Tech is a powerhouse in STEM, particularly renowned for its engineering, aviation, and physical sciences programs. The curriculum is rigorous and intensely hands-on, with abundant opportunities for undergraduate research through partnerships with nearby NASA facilities and Kennedy Space Center. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty who are leaders in their fields.

Popular Majors

Engineering
41.6%
Transportation
21.2%
Business & Marketing
7.6%
Physical Sciences
6.7%
Psychology
6.4%
Computer Science
5.9%
Biology & Biomedical
5.9%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

66.3%
Graduation Rate
77%
Retention Rate
3,235
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$44,360
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$35,300
After financial aid
Total Cost
$60,387
Cost of attendance/year
20.1%
Receive Pell Grants
39.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Melbourne

Melbourne offers a relaxed Space Coast lifestyle with easy access to beautiful beaches for surfing, kayaking, and sunbathing. Students often enjoy exploring the historic downtown area with its local shops and restaurants, attending launch viewing parties at the nearby Kennedy Space Center, or taking weekend trips to Orlando theme parks.

Local Rent Check

$1,214 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Melbourne
Explore Melbourne

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$177,440
$0Est. 4 Years: $177,440

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($43,137):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe with proactive security measures and a relatively low crime rate for an urban setting. The surrounding Melbourne area is known as a safe, family-friendly community on Florida's Space Coast.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Prime location on the Space Coast with unparalleled access to NASA, SpaceX, and major aerospace and tech companies.
  • โœ“ Strong emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning and undergraduate research opportunities.
  • โœ“ Specialized focus on high-demand STEM fields with a curriculum designed in collaboration with industry leaders.
  • โœ“ Diverse international student body creates a global learning environment.

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is high for a private university, and the average net price is still a significant financial commitment.
  • โœ— The specialized STEM focus means the humanities and arts programs are less prominent.
  • โœ— The location is not a major metropolitan hub, which may limit off-campus internship variety outside of aerospace/tech.

Notable Alumni

Robert C. Smith
Former NASA astronaut and aerospace engineer who flew on two Space Shuttle missions.
Dr. V. S. Ramamurthy
Former Secretary of the Indian Department of Science and Technology and a distinguished nuclear physicist.
Michele M. M. (Michele) Hall
Co-founder of the non-profit 'SpaceKids Global,' inspiring young students in space exploration and STEM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) is primarily known as a premier private university for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Its most distinguished programs are in Engineering (especially aerospace), Aviation, Business, and Physical Sciences, with strong ties to the nearby Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Florida Tech has an acceptance rate of 62.53%, indicating it is moderately selective. While not as competitive as elite universities, it seeks students with strong academic records, particularly in math and science. An average SAT score of 1213 is a good benchmark for competitive applicants. Meeting these standards significantly improves your chances of admission and merit aid.

Campus life at Florida Tech is a unique blend of intense academic focus and active student engagement. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, students form close-knit communities, often bonding over challenging projects in labs and research facilities. The university offers over 100 student clubs and organizations, and its location near the beach and the Indian River Lagoon provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, from kayaking to surfing.

For students pursuing high-demand STEM careers, Florida Tech can be a worthwhile investment. The specialized curriculum, hands-on research, and proximity to major aerospace and tech employers provide a direct pipeline to well-paying jobs in fields like engineering and computer science. However, students should carefully compare financial aid offers and net price with other schools, as the ROI is most impactful for those in its flagship STEM programs.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

NASA SpaceX Northrop Grumman Boeing Lockheed Martin
Smart Start Score
55

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,558
  • In-State Tuition $44,360
  • Zip Code 32901

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 67.3% โ™€ 32.7%

The Money Talk

At over $44,000 annually for tuition, Florida Tech is a significant investment, but its value lies in its specialized, high-demand STEM programs. The 10-year median earnings of $43,137 are solid, especially considering the strong career pathways in engineering and aerospace that can lead to higher salaries over time. For students pursuing these fields, the focused education and industry connections can justify the cost.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $44,360
Housing (12 mo) $14,568
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $66,128
With avg financial aid:
$35,300/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.