Rankings / By State
Best Biology Colleges in Florida
- 27
- Schools
- $56,346
- Avg. Earnings
- 63%
- Avg. Graduation
- $21,317
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,846
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Median graduate earnings across these 27 schools run from $34,782 to $75,328, a 2.2× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
-
University of Florida-Online delivers the most for the money: roughly $71,588 in median earnings against $4,815 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
-
The most affordable option, University of Florida-Online ($4,815 net price), still posts $71,588 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
-
University of Florida graduates 91% of its students, versus a 63% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
-
University of Florida carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.21× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 University of Florida ($71,588 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, University of Miami ($75,328), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- University of Florida-Online costs $4,815 a year and Lynn University costs $44,089. Yet their graduates earn $71,588 and $49,006, nowhere near the $39,274 price gap.
- On value, University of Florida-Online beats University of Miami: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with University of Florida-Online and University of Florida. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $56K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Florida #1 overall | $71,588 ▲ +27% vs avg | $6,541 | 91% | 84 |
| 2 University of South Florida #2 overall | $57,743 ▲ +2% vs avg | $9,812 | 76% | 80 |
| 3 University of Central Florida #3 overall | $58,308 ▲ +3% vs avg | $10,411 | 77% | 79 |
| $61,675 ▲ +9% vs avg | $11,297 | 84% | 78 | |
| $60,249 ▲ +7% vs avg | $9,288 | 74% | 78 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Biology Colleges in Florida
This analysis ranks 27 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $56,346 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 63% and an average net price of $21,317.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Florida-Online — Net Price: $4,815 | Graduation Rate: 81%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Florida — 91% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Miami — Median alumni earnings: $75,328
CollegeRanker Primary Research
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Florida Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Florida?
$56,343
Median earnings (10yr)
63%
Median graduation rate
$19,748
Median net price
2.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Higher education is intensely local: most students enroll close to home and stay to work nearby, so a state's colleges are also its talent pipeline. This ranking looks at the mix of public and private institutions across Florida, asking who keeps graduates in-state, who delivers earnings against the local cost of living, and who moves residents up the income ladder.
Start with the medians across these 27 schools. Graduates earn a median of $56,343 ten years after enrollment, or about $8,343 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 63%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $19,748 a year with about $21,388 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 31% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.3%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for Florida pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $19,748 and median earnings of $56,343 show which institutions strengthen the regional economy rather than simply enrolling students.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Florida lands at #1 with a 84/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (76/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,541 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of South Florida lands at #2 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $57,743 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,812 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
University of Central Florida lands at #3 with a 79/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $58,308 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,411 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Florida State University lands at #4 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (71/100). Graduates earn a median $61,675 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,297 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Florida International University lands at #5 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
University of North Florida lands at #6 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $56,343 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,154 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Eckerd College lands at #7 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $51,819 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $38,071 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Nova Southeastern University lands at #8 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $59,209 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,371 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Florida Atlantic University lands at #9 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (69/100). Graduates earn a median $56,746 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,752 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
University of Florida-Online lands at #10 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,815 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
University of West Florida lands at #11 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $49,137 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Florida Southern College lands at #12 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $55,294 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,551 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
University of Miami lands at #13 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $75,328 a decade after enrolling, 34% above this list's average, and net price runs $37,244 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Florida Gulf Coast University lands at #14 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (68/100). Graduates earn a median $54,560 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,568 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Stetson University lands at #15 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $51,642 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,372 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Rollins College lands at #16 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $58,295 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $34,732 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Jacksonville University lands at #17 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $68,010 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,180 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Barry University lands at #18 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $55,966 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,613 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Tallahassee, FL · 21% accepted · $13,739 net
Why it ranks #19
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University lands at #19 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (59/100). Graduates earn a median $44,349 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,739 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
The University of Tampa lands at #20 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (29/100). Graduates earn a median $59,436 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,211 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Palm Beach Atlantic University lands at #21 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $49,232 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,354 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Lynn University lands at #22 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $49,006 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $44,089 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Florida Institute of Technology lands at #23 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $43,137 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $35,639 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Ave Maria University lands at #24 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $49,520 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,860 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
AdventHealth University lands at #25 with a 56/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (73/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $72,282 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,135 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Warner University lands at #26 with a 55/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (62/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $46,086 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,748 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Edward Waters University lands at #27 with a 52/100 composite, led by social mobility (65/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (48/100). Graduates earn a median $34,782 a decade after enrolling, 38% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,649 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 27 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering a degree in biology, prospective students in Florida have a range of colleges to choose from, each with unique strengths and outcomes. In fact, the average earnings for graduates from biology programs in the state stand at $55,371. This figure highlights the potential for a rewarding career in the biological sciences, making these programs particularly appealing.
The top colleges in this ranking distinguish themselves through key outcomes: graduation rates, average earnings, and manageable student debt. For example, the University of Florida leads with impressive graduation rates and earnings, while also maintaining a relatively low net price. Each school's performance in these areas can help students weigh their options more effectively, as the data reflects real-world implications for their future.
Take the University of Florida and Florida State University, for instance. Both schools offer solid biology programs, but the University of Florida graduates earn an average of $71,588, while Florida State University's graduates earn $61,675. Additionally, the University of Florida boasts a graduation rate of 91%, compared to Florida State's 84%. This contrast can help students and families make informed decisions based on financial outcomes and likelihood of completing the program successfully.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 22 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.3%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Florida International University leads the group at 5.2%, with Florida Institute of Technology (3.8%) and Barry University (3.6%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 9.7% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. University of West Florida enrolls the most, at 27.9%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 25.6% across the list, peaking at 51.2% at Florida Institute of Technology.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.56, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and The University of Tampa is highest at 1.76.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
One key pattern from the data is the significant earnings difference between the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. The University of Florida graduates earn $71,588, while those from the University of South Florida earn $57,743. This gap reflects the potential return on investment students can expect based on the college they choose.
As you navigate your college options, consider how the data aligns with your own priorities. If lower debt is a priority, the University of Florida-Online presents a compelling case with a net price of $4,815. However, if campus experience matters more, on-campus programs like Florida State University may be worth the higher cost. Assess what aspects of your college experience are most important to you, and let that guide your decision.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life seems tied to the choices we make today. A degree in biology can lead to a rewarding career, but understanding the financial and educational landscape is crucial. Making a well-informed choice could mean the difference between a smooth transition into the workforce and the burden of student debt.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Biology Colleges in Florida: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Biology Colleges in Florida ranking? +
University of Florida in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Biology Colleges in Florida ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $71,588 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 91% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Miami posts the highest median earnings on this list: $75,328 ten years after enrollment, well above the $56,346 average across the 27 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Florida-Online leads: graduates earn a median $71,588 against net price of about $4,815 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Florida has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 91%, compared with a 63% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $21,317 a year across the 27 ranked schools with cost data. University of Florida-Online is among the most affordable at roughly $4,815. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Biology Colleges in Florida ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 27 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
