Florida Tech was founded in 1958 as Brevard Engineering College. It all started as an idea in the mind of Jerome P. Keuper, a visionary physicist working at Cape Canaveral (now NASA - Kennedy Space Center).
As university lore would have it, Keuper expressed his desire to create a scientific and technological university to a friend over drinks at a local pub. Overhearing the conversation, a fellow patron pushed 37 cents in change across the bar and said,
“There’s your first donation, Jerry. Now, go and build that college.”
So, Keuper did. And what started with 37 cents as a night school for the early “missilemen” of the U.S. space program is now a comprehensive national research university recognized worldwide for excellence in preparing students for careers of the future.
Florida Tech educates global thinkers, resilient problem solvers, and future leaders, ready to support industry and societal needs by responsibly integrating science, technology and other key disciplines to advance knowledge across the universe.
Florida Tech will be recognized as a premier institution for improving the human condition through innovative research and excellent education for graduates who are relentless in their pursuit of understanding and solving the critical challenges of tomorrow.
- Embodies Excellence in Collaborative Academics and Research
- Creates Accessible, Welcoming and Immersive Student-Centric Educational Experiences
- Leads with Integrity, Respect and Community Responsibility
- Empowers Innovators to Exceed Boundaries
Located on 130 subtropical acres in the City of Melbourne on Florida's "Space Coast," Florida Tech’s campus includes various academic, athletic, residential, dining, recreational, performance, administrative and multiuse facilities. It is an Arbor Day Foundation-designated "Tree Campus USA."
The Florida Tech campus sits about 2 miles from downtown Melbourne, 2 miles from Melbourne Orlando International Airport, 6 miles from the nearest beach, 45 miles to NASA—Kennedy Space Center, and 75 miles to the Orlando area. The Milken Institute ranks the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Florida, MSA the No. 10 best-performing tier one large city in the U.S.
There are 424 faculty at Florida Tech. About 74% of full-time teaching faculty have a Ph.D. or other terminal degree appropriate to their field. Faculty experts may be contacted for consulting services and media commentary.
A university's rankings, accolades and acknowledgements help to illustrate its overall quality and value.
We hope this information helps prospective students, parents, school counselors, STEM educators and employers worldwide make informed decisions about applying to, enrolling in or partnering with Florida Tech. Browse the stories below to learn more about the reasons behind Florida Tech's ever-growing reputation as a research university of value and excellence.
Ranking Sites with
Florida Tech Profiles
U.S. News & World Report
Times Higher Education
Princeton Review
Niche
No. 6
Student Experience
The Wall Street Journal
Tier 1 Best
National University
U.S. News & World Report
Green College
2025 Edition
The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges
College of Distinction
Inducted 2019
Colleges of Distinction
91%
Recent Graduates in Jobs or Grad School
Florida Tech Career Survey
$56,600
Per Year Median Income 6 Years After Graduation
National avg.: $33,028
No. 20
U.S. Institution for Graduate Employability
Global Employability University Ranking and Survey
Top 6% Best
Return on Investment
Payscale
Best for Vets Institution
2024
Military Times
