Rankings / By State
Best Data Science Colleges in Florida
- 38
- Schools
- $48,550
- Avg. Earnings
- 55%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,599
- Avg. Net Price
- $16,763
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 38 schools run from $29,420 to $75,328, a 2.6× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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St Petersburg College delivers the most for the money: roughly $42,557 in median earnings against $1,471 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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St Petersburg College is the lowest-cost school here at $1,471 a year in net price.
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University of Florida graduates 91% of its students, versus a 55% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Palm Beach State College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.17× 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.
- St Petersburg College costs $1,471 a year and Beacon College costs $53,517. Yet their graduates earn $42,557 and $29,420, nowhere near the $52,046 price gap.
- On value, St Petersburg College beats University of Miami: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with St Petersburg College and University of Florida. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
Technology is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $44K within a decade, and data scientist roles are projected to grow 36%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
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 ▲ +47% vs avg | $6,541 | 91% | 82 |
| 2 University of Central Florida #2 overall | $58,308 ▲ +20% vs avg | $10,411 | 77% | 79 |
| 3 Florida International University #3 overall | $60,249 ▲ +24% vs avg | $9,288 | 74% | 78 |
| $56,343 ▲ +16% vs avg | $10,154 | 69% | 78 | |
| $71,588 ▲ +47% vs avg | $4,815 | 81% | 78 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Data Science Colleges in Florida
This analysis ranks 38 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $48,550 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 55% and an average net price of $15,599.
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: University of Miami — Median alumni earnings: $75,328
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Technology Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the technology workforce?
$44,349
Median earnings (10yr)
53%
Median graduation rate
$10,283
Median net price
2.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Computing, data, and information-systems programs train for one of the highest-paying and fastest-moving corners of the labor market. Starting salaries are strong, and hiring increasingly rewards demonstrable skill over pedigree. The field is cyclical, though, and specific tools age quickly. What endures is fundamentals and the habit of learning new ones.
The median graduation rate across these 38 schools is 53%. Median graduate earnings reach $44,349 ten years after enrollment. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $10,283 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $16,746. Some 33% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.2%.
What we’re seeing: employers reward programs with strong industry ties, co-ops, and project portfolios over brand alone. Graduates here post median earnings of $44,349 ten years after enrollment. That premium holds as long as graduates keep their skills current against a fast-shifting stack.
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 82/100 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, 47% 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 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, 20% 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
Florida International University lands at #3 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, 24% 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 #4
University of North Florida lands at #4 with a 78/100 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, 16% 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 #5
University of Florida-Online lands at #5 with a 78/100 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, 47% 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 #6
University of South Florida lands at #6 with a 77/100 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, 19% 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 State University lands at #7 with a 76/100 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, 27% 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 #8
Florida Atlantic University lands at #8 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, 17% 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 #9
University of West Florida lands at #9 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, 1% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
University of Miami lands at #10 with a 71/100 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, 55% 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
New College of Florida lands at #11 with a 70/100 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, 1% 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 #12
Saint Leo University lands at #12 with a 70/100 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, 0% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Stetson University lands at #13 with a 69/100 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, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,372 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
Rollins College lands at #14 with a 68/100 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, 20% 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 #15
Florida Southern College lands at #15 with a 68/100 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, 14% 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
Tallahassee, FL · 21% accepted · $13,739 net
Why it ranks #16
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University lands at #16 with a 68/100 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, 9% 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
St Petersburg College lands at #17 with a 66/100 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, 12% 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 #18
Broward College lands at #18 with a 66/100 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, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,506 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
Why it ranks #19
Pensacola State College lands at #19 with a 66/100 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, 24% 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 #20
Indian River State College lands at #20 with a 66/100 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, 21% 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 #21
The University of Tampa lands at #21 with a 66/100 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, 22% 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 #22
Gulf Coast State College lands at #22 with a 65/100 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, 21% 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 #23
Northwest Florida State College lands at #23 with a 65/100 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, 18% 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 #24
Florida State College at Jacksonville lands at #24 with a 65/100 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, 13% 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 #25
Eastern Florida State College lands at #25 with a 65/100 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, 23% 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 #26
Florida Institute of Technology lands at #26 with a 64/100 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, 11% 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 #27
Santa Fe College lands at #27 with a 64/100 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, 14% 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 #28
Palm Beach State College lands at #28 with a 64/100 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, 14% 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 #29
Barry University lands at #29 with a 63/100 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, 15% 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 #30
Florida Memorial University lands at #30 with a 60/100 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, 25% 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
Why it ranks #31
Beacon College lands at #31 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (76/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (24/100). Graduates earn a median $29,420 a decade after enrolling, 39% below this list's average, and net price runs $53,517 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 #32
Webber International University lands at #32 with a 58/100 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, 6% 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 #33
Tallahassee State College lands at #33 with a 57/100 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, 23% 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 #34
Florida Polytechnic University lands at #34 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (31/100). Net price runs $11,853 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Florida SouthWestern State College lands at #35 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $43,421 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,247 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 #36
Lake-Sumter State College lands at #36 with a 53/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by social mobility (46/100). Graduates earn a median $39,876 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,855 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
Fort Lauderdale, FL · 97% accepted · $30,498 net
Why it ranks #37
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale lands at #37 with a 49/100 composite, led by academic quality (69/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (30/100). Graduates earn a median $39,696 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,498 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 #38
State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota lands at #38 with a 49/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (65/100) and pulled down by social mobility (45/100). Graduates earn a median $40,318 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,356 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 38 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Data Scientists and related roles — a field with $108,020 median pay and 36% projected growth.
See the Data Scientist career guide →Data science is a rapidly growing field, and choosing the right college can set the stage for a successful career. In Florida, 37 colleges offer programs in this area, each with unique strengths and outcomes worth considering. For many students, the decision to pursue a degree in data science hinges on employment potential and financial practicality.
The schools on this list stand out due to their graduation rates, average earnings, and student debt levels. These metrics are crucial for prospective students and their families, as they provide a clearer picture of what to expect after graduation. The data highlights the importance of not just the program concentration but also the outcomes that reflect the value of the education received.
For example, the University of Florida and Florida International University both offer robust programs, but there are notable differences. The University of Florida boasts an impressive 91% graduation rate and average earnings of $71,588, while Florida International University has a lower graduation rate of 74% and average earnings of $60,249. These figures illustrate the tradeoffs students may face when choosing between programs.
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 29 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.2%. 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, 13.6% 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 20% 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 1.29, 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
When we compare the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida, the differences in outcomes become clear. The University of Florida not only has a higher graduation rate at 91% but also leads in earnings at $71,588. In contrast, the University of Central Florida, with a graduation rate of 77%, shows lower earnings at $58,308. This pattern suggests that stronger graduation rates can correlate with better financial outcomes.
For students exploring these programs, it’s essential to weigh the data against personal factors. Consider location and campus culture alongside financial metrics. If a lower net price or debt level is a priority for you, then Florida International University might be appealing despite its lower earnings potential. Matching the right program to your priorities can lead to a more fulfilling college experience.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life is often shaped by strategic choices during these formative years. For many families, investing in a degree from a school with higher graduation rates and better earnings potential is a decision that can pay off significantly down the line. Choose wisely, as the impact of this choice can last well beyond graduation.
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 Data Science Colleges in Florida: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Data Science Colleges in Florida ranking? +
University of Florida in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Data Science 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 $48,550 average across the 37 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 $15,599 a year across the 38 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 Data Science 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 38 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
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