Rankings / By State
Best Master's Programs in Florida
- 50
- Schools
- $50,369
- Avg. Earnings
- 55%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,441
- Avg. Net Price
- $16,438
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $36,739 to $84,131, a 2.3× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Chipola College delivers the most for the money: roughly $37,378 in median earnings against $1,133 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Chipola College is the lowest-cost school here at $1,133 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, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($84,131), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Chipola College costs $1,133 a year and Lynn University costs $44,089. Yet their graduates earn $37,378 and $49,006, nowhere near the $42,956 price gap.
- On value, Chipola College beats Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide: 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 Chipola 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 ▲ +42% vs avg | $6,541 | 91% | 80 |
| 2 University of Central Florida #2 overall | $58,308 ▲ +16% vs avg | $10,411 | 77% | 76 |
| 3 University of North Florida #3 overall | $56,343 ▲ +12% vs avg | $10,154 | 69% | 75 |
| $61,675 ▲ +22% vs avg | $11,297 | 84% | 73 | |
| $56,746 ▲ +13% vs avg | $8,752 | 63% | 73 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Master's Programs in Florida
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $50,369 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 55% and an average net price of $15,441.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Chipola College — Net Price: $1,133 | Graduation Rate: 57%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Florida — 91% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide — Median alumni earnings: $84,131
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?
$48,223
Median earnings (10yr)
53%
Median graduation rate
$10,392
Median net price
2.0%
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 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 $10,392 a year with about $16,868 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 30% 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%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for Florida pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $10,392 and median earnings of $48,223 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 80/100 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, 42% 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, 16% 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, 12% 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 73/100 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 Atlantic University lands at #5 with a 73/100 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, 13% 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 #6
Florida International University lands at #6 with a 73/100 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, 20% 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 #7
University of South Florida lands at #7 with a 73/100 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, 15% 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 #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, 2% 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, 42% 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 71/100 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
New College of Florida lands at #11 with a 68/100 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 #12
University of Miami lands at #12 with a 67/100 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, 50% 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 #13
Stetson University lands at #13 with a 65/100 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, 3% 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
Florida College lands at #14 with a 65/100 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 #15
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University lands at #15 with a 65/100 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 #16
Jacksonville University lands at #16 with a 64/100 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, 35% 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 #17
Florida Southern College lands at #17 with a 64/100 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, 10% 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 64/100 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, 16% 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
Florida Gateway College lands at #19 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $37,894 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,364 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
South Florida State College lands at #20 with a 63/100 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 #21
Gulf Coast State College lands at #21 with a 63/100 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 #22
Saint Johns River State College lands at #22 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, 17% 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 #23
Nova Southeastern University lands at #23 with a 62/100 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, 18% 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 #24
Palm Beach Atlantic University lands at #24 with a 62/100 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, 2% 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 #25
Indian River State College lands at #25 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 #26
Pensacola State College lands at #26 with a 62/100 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 #27
Saint Leo University lands at #27 with a 62/100 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 #28
Palm Beach State College lands at #28 with a 61/100 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 #29
Northwest Florida State College lands at #29 with a 61/100 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, 21% 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 #30
The University of Tampa lands at #30 with a 61/100 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, 18% 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 #31
Baptist University of Florida lands at #31 with a 61/100 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 #32
Florida State College at Jacksonville lands at #32 with a 61/100 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, 16% 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 #33
Eastern Florida State College lands at #33 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, 26% 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 #34
Polk State College lands at #34 with a 60/100 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, 19% 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 #35
Santa Fe College lands at #35 with a 60/100 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, 17% 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 #36
Southeastern University lands at #36 with a 60/100 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, 7% 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 #37
St Petersburg College lands at #37 with a 60/100 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 #38
Seminole State College of Florida lands at #38 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $41,733 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,970 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
Valencia College lands at #39 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $40,594 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,037 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 59/100 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. 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
Daytona State College lands at #41 with a 59/100 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, 26% 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 #42
Flagler College lands at #42 with a 59/100 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 #43
Eckerd College lands at #43 with a 59/100 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, 3% 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 #44
Lynn University lands at #44 with a 59/100 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 #45
Chipola College lands at #45 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (99/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (51/100). Graduates earn a median $37,378 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $1,133 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 #46
Barry University lands at #46 with a 58/100 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
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
Why it ranks #47
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide lands at #47 with a 58/100 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, 67% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,725 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 #48
College of Central Florida lands at #48 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,203 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,088 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
Daytona Beach, FL · 65% accepted · $41,272 net
Why it ranks #49
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach lands at #49 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, 67% 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 #50
Pasco-Hernando State College lands at #50 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by social mobility (46/100). Graduates earn a median $39,903 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,203 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Finding the right master's program can be a pivotal decision for many students. In Florida, a range of schools offers master's degrees that can lead to good job prospects and financial stability. With an average earning potential of $49,492 for graduates in the state, it's essential to consider which programs deliver the best outcomes.
The schools on this list are ranked by graduate outcomes, focusing on key metrics like earnings, graduation rates, average debt, and mobility. For example, the University of Florida and Florida State University stand out not just for their high graduation rates, but also for the earnings their graduates achieve. Understanding these factors will help you weigh your options and choose a program that aligns with your career goals.
Consider the University of Florida, where graduates earn an impressive $71,588, compared to $58,308 for graduates from the University of Central Florida. However, the University of Central Florida has a lower net price at $10,411 compared to $6,541 at the University of Florida, making it a more affordable option despite the difference in earnings. This contrast highlights the tradeoffs you'll need to think about as you explore your choices.
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 44 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 Saint Leo University (3.6%) and Barry 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. 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 17.7% across the list, peaking at 36.4% at Stetson University.
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 1.28, 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 dive into the data, a clear distinction emerges between the University of Florida and Florida State University. While both schools produce strong earning outcomes, the University of Florida's graduates earn $71,588 compared to $61,675 from Florida State, despite a similar level of debt. This difference indicates that while both programs are solid choices, the earning potential varies significantly, suggesting different ROI for students considering their financial commitments.
After reviewing the 50 schools, it's crucial to align the data with your personal priorities. Think about your desired location, program specifics, and overall campus environment. If you value lower debt, you might lean toward schools like Florida International University, known for its affordability. Conversely, if high earnings are your primary focus, the University of Florida might be worth the investment, even with a higher price tag.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life is shaped by these decisions. A family must consider not just the numbers, but the long-term implications of their choice. Investing in a master's program that leads to a good salary can make a significant difference in financial security and quality of life post-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 Master's Programs in Florida: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Master's Programs in Florida ranking? +
University of Florida in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Master's Programs 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 $50,369 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, Chipola College leads: graduates earn a median $37,378 against net price of about $1,133 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 $15,441 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. Chipola College is among the most affordable at roughly $1,133. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Master's Programs 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
