# Best Data Science Colleges in Florida

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 37 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-florida

## Methodology

Data Science 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

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.

## Key Findings

- The University of Florida has a graduation rate of 91%, the highest in this list.
- Students at the University of Florida earn an average of $71,588, making it the top earner among Florida colleges.
- Florida International University has a net price of $9,288, which is lower than many peers.
- Graduates from the University of Central Florida earn $58,308 on average, despite a 77% graduation rate.

## 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 Central Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-central-florida) | Orlando, FL | 77% | $58,308 | $10,411 | $18,190 | 0.31x |
| 3 | [University of North Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-florida) | Jacksonville, FL | 69% | $56,343 | $10,154 | $15,531 | 0.28x |
| 4 | [Florida International University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-international-university) | Miami, FL | 74% | $60,249 | $9,288 | $16,500 | 0.27x |
| 5 | [University of South Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-florida) | Tampa, FL | 76% | $57,743 | $9,812 | $17,988 | 0.31x |
| 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 Florida-Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida-online) | Gainesville, FL | 81% | $71,588 | $4,815 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 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 | [University of West Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-west-florida) | Pensacola, FL | 60% | $49,137 | $9,364 | $16,624 | 0.34x |
| 10 | [Saint Leo University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-leo-university) | Saint Leo, FL | 47% | $48,364 | $21,293 | $25,278 | 0.52x |
| 11 | [Stetson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stetson-university) | DeLand, FL | 63% | $51,642 | $19,372 | $23,250 | 0.45x |
| 12 | [Florida Southern College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-southern-college) | Lakeland, FL | 70% | $55,294 | $28,551 | $25,000 | 0.45x |
| 13 | [Rollins College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rollins-college) | Winter Park, FL | 76% | $58,295 | $34,732 | $25,500 | 0.44x |
| 14 | [St Petersburg College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/st-petersburg-college) | St. Petersburg, FL | 38% | $42,557 | $1,471 | $16,868 | 0.4x |
| 15 | [Pensacola State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pensacola-state-college) | Pensacola, FL | 39% | $36,739 | $3,957 | $7,500 | 0.2x |
| 16 | [The University of Tampa](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-tampa) | Tampa, FL | 63% | $59,436 | $36,211 | $24,211 | 0.41x |
| 17 | [Broward College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/broward-college) | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 38% | $41,939 | $14,506 | $7,500 | 0.18x |
| 18 | [Florida State College at Jacksonville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-state-college-at-jacksonville) | Jacksonville, FL | 35% | $42,244 | $4,128 | $13,562 | 0.32x |
| 19 | [Indian River State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/indian-river-state-college) | Fort Pierce, FL | 44% | $38,315 | $3,815 | $8,023 | 0.21x |
| 20 | [Eastern Florida State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-florida-state-college) | Melbourne, FL | 52% | $37,195 | $6,440 | $12,250 | 0.33x |
| 21 | [Santa Fe College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/santa-fe-college) | Gainesville, FL | 53% | $41,631 | $11,098 | $11,310 | 0.27x |
| 22 | [Barry University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/barry-university) | Miami, FL | 37% | $55,966 | $22,613 | $26,997 | 0.48x |
| 23 | [Palm Beach State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/palm-beach-state-college) | Lake Worth, FL | 41% | $41,923 | $9,182 | $7,081 | 0.17x |
| 24 | [Northwest Florida State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-florida-state-college) | Niceville, FL | 41% | $39,664 | $4,571 | $7,932 | 0.2x |
| 25 | [Hillsborough Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hillsborough-community-college) | Tampa, FL | 34% | $40,782 | $3,861 | $9,762 | 0.24x |
| 26 | [Florida Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-institute-of-technology) | Melbourne, FL | 64% | $43,137 | $35,639 | $27,000 | 0.63x |
| 27 | [Chipola College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chipola-college) | Marianna, FL | 57% | $37,378 | $1,133 | N/A | N/A |
| 28 | [Webber International University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/webber-international-university) | Babson Park, FL | 27% | $45,606 | $29,529 | $25,250 | 0.55x |
| 29 | [Florida Memorial University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-memorial-university) | Miami Gardens, FL | 31% | $36,624 | $23,238 | $30,063 | 0.82x |
| 30 | [Beacon College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/beacon-college) | Leesburg, FL | 59% | $29,420 | $53,517 | $25,000 | 0.85x |
| 31 | [Tallahassee State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tallahassee-state-college) | Tallahassee, FL | 37% | $37,561 | $7,781 | $7,668 | 0.2x |
| 32 | [Pasco-Hernando State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pasco-hernando-state-college) | New Port Richey, FL | 42% | $39,903 | $5,203 | $9,535 | 0.24x |
| 33 | [Florida Polytechnic University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-polytechnic-university) | Lakeland, FL | 54% | N/A | $11,853 | $14,250 | N/A |
| 34 | [Florida SouthWestern State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-southwestern-state-college) | Fort Myers, FL | 39% | $43,421 | $7,247 | $8,000 | 0.18x |
| 35 | [Lake-Sumter State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lake-sumter-state-college) | Leesburg, FL | 46% | $39,876 | $5,855 | $6,750 | 0.17x |
| 36 | [Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/keiser-university-ft-lauderdale) | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 58% | $39,696 | $30,498 | $26,125 | 0.66x |
| 37 | [State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/state-college-of-florida-manatee-sarasota) | Bradenton, FL | 37% | $40,318 | $22,356 | $9,000 | 0.22x |

## 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 Data Science Colleges in Florida." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-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/.