Rankings / MBA
Best MBA Programs in Florida
- 16
- Schools
- $59,919
- Avg. Earnings
- 69%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,800
- Avg. Net Price
- $19,806
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $51,642 at the low end to $75,328 at the top. That 1.5× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Florida Gulf Coast University offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $54,560 against $6,721 in annual tuition, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable program, Florida Gulf Coast University at $6,721 a year in tuition, delivers earnings of $54,560, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Florida graduates 91% of its students, well above the 69% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor University of Florida: graduates owe only 0.21× 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, University of Miami ($75,328). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Florida Gulf Coast University ($6,721/yr) and University of Miami ($62,000/yr) produce graduates earning $54,560 and $75,328 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $55,279 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Florida Gulf Coast University outperforms University of Miami: similar career earnings at a much lower tuition.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked programs 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 Florida Gulf Coast University and University of Florida. For each program, 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
Business 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 $58K within a decade, and management analyst roles are projected to grow 10%. 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
- Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618.
- U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.
- National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- U.S. News & World Report. Best Business Schools MBA Rankings. Used for MBA program validation.
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 ▲ +19% vs avg | $6,541 | 91% | 82 |
| 2 University of Central Florida #2 overall | $58,308 ▼ -3% vs avg | $10,411 | 77% | 79 |
| 3 Florida State University #3 overall | $61,675 ▲ +3% vs avg | $11,297 | 84% | 78 |
| $56,343 ▼ -6% vs avg | $10,154 | 69% | 78 | |
| $56,746 ▼ -5% vs avg | $8,752 | 63% | 78 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best MBA Programs in Florida
This analysis ranks 16 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $59,919 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 69% and an average net price of $19,800.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Florida — Net Price: $6,541 | Graduation Rate: 91%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Florida — 91% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Miami — Median alumni earnings: $75,328
Data Insight
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Management Education Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about leadership and management education?
$58,302
Median earnings (10yr)
69%
Median graduation rate
$15,970
Median net price
2.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Management education makes a blunt promise: pay now, earn more later. Top-tier programs keep that promise through network effects and placement outcomes. Many others raise earnings barely enough to cover their cost. The spread in outcomes across programs is wider here than in almost any other discipline.
The median graduation rate across these 16 programs is 69%. Median graduate earnings reach $58,302 ten years after enrollment, roughly $10,302 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $15,970 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $18,095. Some 28% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.2%.
In management education, network effects amplify everything. Graduates earn a median of $58,302 ten years after enrollment, and University of Florida leads the field. The gap between the top and the middle is wide enough that school selection may be the most consequential financial decision in this category.
The podium
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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, 19% 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, 3% below 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 State University lands at #3 with a 78/100 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, 3% 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 #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, 6% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Florida Atlantic University lands at #5 with a 78/100 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, 5% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Florida International University lands at #6 with a 77/100 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, 1% 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 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, 4% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Florida Gulf Coast University lands at #8 with a 75/100 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, 9% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of Miami lands at #9 with a 73/100 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, 26% 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 #10
Stetson University lands at #10 with a 72/100 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, 14% below 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Rollins College lands at #11 with a 70/100 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, 3% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Florida Southern College lands at #12 with a 69/100 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, 8% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
The University of Tampa lands at #13 with a 68/100 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, 1% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Jacksonville University lands at #14 with a 68/100 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, 14% 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 #15
Nova Southeastern University lands at #15 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, 1% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
St. Thomas University lands at #16 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,272 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,312 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 16 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 Management Analysts and related roles — a field with $99,410 median pay and 10% projected growth.
See the Management Analyst career guide →When considering an MBA program in Florida, students have a range of options. These schools share a commitment to providing quality education while focusing on graduate outcomes and value. With an average earning potential of $61,343 among graduates, these programs are worth examining closely.
The schools on this list are ranked based on critical outcomes that matter most to prospective students: earnings after graduation, graduation rates, average debt, and mobility. Higher earnings and lower debt levels indicate a better return on investment, while graduation rates reflect the support students receive. By analyzing these metrics, students can make informed decisions about which program aligns with their career goals.
Take the University of Florida and Florida State University, for instance. Graduates from the University of Florida earn an impressive $71,588 on average, but they have a relatively low net price of $6,541, resulting in significant value. In contrast, Florida State University offers a lower earning potential of $61,675 with a higher net price of $11,297. These differences highlight the importance of balancing cost against potential earnings as you navigate your options.
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
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 15 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 2.2%. Florida International University leads the group at 5.2%, with Nova Southeastern University (3.3%) and Florida Atlantic University (3.1%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 8.4% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Florida International University leads at 15%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 26.3% across this list. Stetson University posts the highest success rate at 36.4%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.59 against a national benchmark of 1.0. The University of Tampa reaches 1.76, the highest on the list.
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 comparing Florida's MBA programs, the differences in outcomes can be surprising. For example, the University of Florida’s graduates earn an average of $71,588, while those from Florida International University earn $60,249. The significant earning gap of over $11,000 underscores how some schools can deliver better career results, despite similar program structures.
As you sift through these programs, consider your personal priorities. Factors like location, campus culture, and specific areas of study should weigh heavily in your decision. If a lower net price or debt is appealing to you, programs like the University of Central Florida, with a net price of $10,411, might be worth a closer look. Keep your long-term career aspirations in mind as you evaluate these factors.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life hinges on smart choices. With the right data in hand, you can navigate your decision with confidence. Choosing an MBA program is not just about immediate academic pursuits; it’s about laying the groundwork for future stability and success for you and your family.
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 MBA Programs in Florida: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best MBA Programs in Florida ranking? +
University of Florida in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best MBA 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 program 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 $59,919 average across the 16 ranked programs with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which program offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Florida Gulf Coast University leads: graduates earn a median $54,560 against tuition of about $6,721 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 69% 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 an MBA cost at these schools? +
Across the 9 programs with verified tuition, annual MBA tuition averages $19,237, ranging from about $6,721 a year at Florida Gulf Coast University to $62,000 at University of Miami. These are tuition figures pulled from official program pages (in-state where the school is public), not estimated net price.
How is the Best MBA 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 16 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
Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618. →
U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →
National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →
U.S. News & World Report. Best Business Schools MBA Rankings. Used for MBA program validation. →
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