Rankings / By State
Best Colleges in Florida
- 50
- Schools
- $50,611
- Avg. Earnings
- 55%
- Avg. Graduation
- $18,021
- Avg. Net Price
- $17,561
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $36,624 at the low end to $84,131 at the top. That 2.3× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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St Petersburg College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $42,557 against $1,471 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is St Petersburg College, at $1,471 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Florida graduates 91% of its students, well above the 55% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Albizu University-Miami: graduates owe only 0.13× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to University of Florida ($71,588 earnings), not the highest earner, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($84,131). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. St Petersburg College ($1,471/yr) and Ringling College of Art and Design ($57,742/yr) produce graduates earning $42,557 and $43,325 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $56,271 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, St Petersburg College outperforms Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide: similar career earnings at a much lower 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 St Petersburg College 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 $48K 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 ▲ +41% vs avg | $6,541 | 91% | 79 |
| 2 University of Central Florida #2 overall | $58,308 ▲ +15% vs avg | $10,411 | 77% | 76 |
| 3 University of North Florida #3 overall | $56,343 ▲ +11% vs avg | $10,154 | 69% | 75 |
| $61,675 ▲ +22% vs avg | $11,297 | 84% | 74 | |
| $60,249 ▲ +19% vs avg | $9,288 | 74% | 74 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges in Florida
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $50,611 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 55% and an average net price of $18,021.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: St Petersburg College — Net Price: $1,471 | Graduation Rate: 38%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Florida — 91% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide — Median alumni earnings: $84,131
Our Analysis Found
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?
$48,223
Median earnings (10yr)
53%
Median graduation rate
$11,933
Median net price
2.0%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across Florida serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
Start with the medians across these 50 schools. Graduates earn a median of $48,223 ten years after enrollment, or about $223 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 53%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $11,933 a year with about $17,561 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 32% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.0%.
For Florida, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $11,933 and graduates earning a median of $48,223, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
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 79/100 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, 41% 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 Central Florida lands at #2 with a 76/100 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, 15% 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 #3
University of North Florida lands at #3 with a 75/100 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, 11% 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 #4
Florida State University lands at #4 with a 74/100 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, 22% 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 74/100 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, 19% 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 South Florida lands at #6 with a 74/100 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, 14% 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 #7
Florida Atlantic University lands at #7 with a 74/100 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, 12% 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 #8
University of West Florida lands at #8 with a 73/100 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, 3% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of Florida-Online lands at #9 with a 72/100 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, 41% 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 #10
Florida Gulf Coast University lands at #10 with a 72/100 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, 8% above 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
University of Miami lands at #11 with a 69/100 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, 49% 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 #12
Stetson University lands at #12 with a 67/100 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, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,372 a year. 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 #13
Jacksonville University lands at #13 with a 67/100 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, 34% 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 #14
New College of Florida lands at #14 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $48,082 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,195 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Florida College lands at #15 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $43,445 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,931 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
Tallahassee, FL · 21% accepted · $13,739 net
Why it ranks #16
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University lands at #16 with a 66/100 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, 12% 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 #17
Florida Southern College lands at #17 with a 66/100 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, 9% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Rollins College lands at #18 with a 66/100 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, 15% 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 #19
Saint Leo University lands at #19 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,364 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,293 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 #20
Nova Southeastern University lands at #20 with a 65/100 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, 17% 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Palm Beach Atlantic University lands at #21 with a 64/100 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, 3% 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
The University of Tampa lands at #22 with a 64/100 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, 17% 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 #23
South Florida State College lands at #23 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $39,990 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,877 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Gulf Coast State College lands at #24 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $38,359 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,709 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Saint Johns River State College lands at #25 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $41,728 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,135 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Southeastern University lands at #26 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $46,744 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $31,942 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 #27
Pensacola State College lands at #27 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $36,739 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,957 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Indian River State College lands at #28 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $38,315 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,815 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Flagler College lands at #29 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $49,483 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,525 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 #30
Northwest Florida State College lands at #30 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $39,664 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,571 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Palm Beach State College lands at #31 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $41,923 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,182 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Eckerd College lands at #32 with a 62/100 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, 2% above 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Lynn University lands at #33 with a 62/100 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, 3% 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 #34
Florida State College at Jacksonville lands at #34 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $42,244 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,128 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Barry University lands at #35 with a 61/100 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, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,613 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 #36
Polk State College lands at #36 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $40,624 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,427 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Eastern Florida State College lands at #37 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $37,195 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,440 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Santa Fe College lands at #38 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $41,631 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,098 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
St Petersburg College lands at #39 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,557 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $1,471 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Broward College lands at #40 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $41,939 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,506 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 #41
Baptist University of Florida lands at #41 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (57/100). Graduates earn a median $42,836 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,372 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Daytona State College lands at #42 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $37,096 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,177 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Florida Institute of Technology lands at #43 with a 60/100 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, 15% 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
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
Why it ranks #44
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide lands at #44 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $84,131 a decade after enrolling, 66% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,725 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 #45
Ringling College of Art and Design lands at #45 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (24/100). Graduates earn a median $43,325 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $57,742 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 #46
Albizu University-Miami lands at #46 with a 57/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (68/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $41,544 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,849 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
Daytona Beach, FL · 65% accepted · $41,272 net
Why it ranks #47
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach lands at #47 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $84,131 a decade after enrolling, 66% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,272 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 #48
Tallahassee State College lands at #48 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $37,561 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,781 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Webber International University lands at #49 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $45,606 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,529 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 #50
Florida Memorial University lands at #50 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $36,624 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,238 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Florida is home to a diverse array of colleges that cater to different academic interests and career goals. Whether you're considering a traditional campus experience or an online program, these institutions share a commitment to student success, as evidenced by strong graduation rates and post-graduation earnings.
What sets the top schools apart in this list is their ability to combine strong academic outcomes with manageable costs. You'll notice metrics like earnings after graduation, debt levels, and completion rates that reflect each institution's effectiveness at preparing students for the workforce. These factors are crucial to consider when choosing a college, as they can significantly impact your financial future and career mobility.
Take the University of Florida, for instance, which boasts an impressive graduation rate of 91% and average earnings of $71,588, compared to Florida International University, where the graduation rate is 74% and average earnings are lower at $60,249. This contrast highlights how a small difference in graduation rates can translate to significant variations in post-graduation outcomes, providing a compelling reason to explore the details of each school further.
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 43 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2%. 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 Saint Leo University (3.6%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 13.1% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Florida Memorial University enrolls the most, at 31.7%, 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 19% 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 1.33, 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 pattern that stands out is the difference in earnings and graduation rates between the University of Florida and Florida State University. While both schools are reputable, the University of Florida leads with a graduation rate of 91% and average earnings of $71,588, compared to Florida State University's 84% graduation rate and $61,675 earnings. This showcases how even a few percentage points in graduation rates can lead to significantly better financial outcomes.
After reviewing these schools, consider how this data aligns with your priorities. Are you focused on minimizing debt? Look for schools with lower net prices, like the University of Florida-Online at $4,815. Or perhaps you're more interested in academic programs. Research which institutions have strong offerings in your intended field. Take the time to visit campuses, connect with current students, and evaluate the overall fit for your personal and academic goals.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life is shaped by the choices we make today. Each school on this list presents unique opportunities, but it’s essential to weigh the trade-offs carefully. Choosing the right institution could lead to a brighter financial future, while the wrong choice might lead to unnecessary debt and limited job prospects. The decision is in your hands, and understanding the data is the first step toward making an informed choice.
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 Colleges in Florida: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges in Florida ranking? +
University of Florida in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best 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? +
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide posts the highest median earnings on this list: $84,131 ten years after enrollment, well above the $50,611 average across the 50 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, St Petersburg College leads: graduates earn a median $42,557 against net price of about $1,471 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 55% 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 $18,021 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. St Petersburg College is among the most affordable at roughly $1,471. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best 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 50 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
