# Best Biology Colleges in Florida

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 28 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-biology-florida

## Methodology

Biology programs in Florida ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Key Findings

- The University of Florida leads with $71,588 average earnings for biology graduates.
- Graduation rates are high, with the University of Florida at 91% and Florida State University at 84%.
- The net price for a biology degree at the University of Florida-Online is just $4,815, making it the most affordable option.
- Average student debt for biology graduates in Florida is $15,000, with some schools offering lower debt burdens.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida) | Gainesville, FL | 91% | $71,588 | $6,541 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 2 | [University of South Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-florida) | Tampa, FL | 76% | $57,743 | $9,812 | $17,988 | 0.31x |
| 3 | [Nova Southeastern University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/nova-southeastern-university) | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 64% | $59,209 | $30,371 | $24,250 | 0.41x |
| 4 | [University of Central Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-central-florida) | Orlando, FL | 77% | $58,308 | $10,411 | $18,190 | 0.31x |
| 5 | [Florida International University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-international-university) | Miami, FL | 74% | $60,249 | $9,288 | $16,500 | 0.27x |
| 6 | [Florida State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-state-university) | Tallahassee, FL | 84% | $61,675 | $11,297 | $18,000 | 0.29x |
| 7 | [University of North Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-florida) | Jacksonville, FL | 69% | $56,343 | $10,154 | $15,531 | 0.28x |
| 8 | [Florida Atlantic University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-atlantic-university) | Boca Raton, FL | 63% | $56,746 | $8,752 | $17,236 | 0.3x |
| 9 | [Eckerd College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eckerd-college) | Saint Petersburg, FL | 67% | $51,819 | $38,071 | $27,000 | 0.52x |
| 10 | [University of West Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-west-florida) | Pensacola, FL | 60% | $49,137 | $9,364 | $16,624 | 0.34x |
| 11 | [Florida Southern College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-southern-college) | Lakeland, FL | 70% | $55,294 | $28,551 | $25,000 | 0.45x |
| 12 | [University of Florida-Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida-online) | Gainesville, FL | 81% | $71,588 | $4,815 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 13 | [University of Miami](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-miami) | Coral Gables, FL | 84% | $75,328 | $37,244 | $17,500 | 0.23x |
| 14 | [Florida Gulf Coast University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-gulf-coast-university) | Fort Myers, FL | 57% | $54,560 | $12,568 | $17,622 | 0.32x |
| 15 | [Stetson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stetson-university) | DeLand, FL | 63% | $51,642 | $19,372 | $23,250 | 0.45x |
| 16 | [Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-agricultural-and-mechanical-university) | Tallahassee, FL | 53% | $44,349 | $13,739 | $23,548 | 0.53x |
| 17 | [Jacksonville University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/jacksonville-university) | Jacksonville, FL | 54% | $68,010 | $25,180 | $22,000 | 0.32x |
| 18 | [Barry University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/barry-university) | Miami, FL | 37% | $55,966 | $22,613 | $26,997 | 0.48x |
| 19 | [Rollins College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rollins-college) | Winter Park, FL | 76% | $58,295 | $34,732 | $25,500 | 0.44x |
| 20 | [The University of Tampa](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-tampa) | Tampa, FL | 63% | $59,436 | $36,211 | $24,211 | 0.41x |
| 21 | [Palm Beach Atlantic University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/palm-beach-atlantic-university) | West Palm Beach, FL | 57% | $49,232 | $28,354 | $22,500 | 0.46x |
| 22 | [Lynn University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lynn-university) | Boca Raton, FL | 52% | $49,006 | $44,089 | $17,940 | 0.37x |
| 23 | [Florida Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-institute-of-technology) | Melbourne, FL | 64% | $43,137 | $35,639 | $27,000 | 0.63x |
| 24 | [Ave Maria University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ave-maria-university) | Ave Maria, FL | 55% | $49,520 | $24,860 | $20,776 | 0.42x |
| 25 | [Florida Memorial University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-memorial-university) | Miami Gardens, FL | 31% | $36,624 | $23,238 | $30,063 | 0.82x |
| 26 | [AdventHealth University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/adventhealth-university) | Orlando, FL | 37% | $72,282 | $30,135 | $24,590 | 0.34x |
| 27 | [Bethune-Cookman University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bethune-cookman-university) | Daytona Beach, FL | 29% | $38,518 | $12,030 | $31,000 | 0.8x |
| 28 | [Edward Waters University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/edward-waters-university) | Jacksonville, FL | 28% | $34,782 | $13,649 | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Biology Colleges in Florida." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-biology-florida

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.