# Best Nursing Colleges in Florida

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 50 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-florida

## Methodology

Nursing 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

Finding the right nursing program in Florida can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Each of the schools on this list shares a commitment to nursing education and has demonstrated measurable success in preparing students for their careers. With an average earnings figure of $48,227 for nursing graduates in the state, it's a good time to explore where to pursue this vital profession.

The programs ranked here stand out based on key outcomes that matter in the nursing field. This includes graduation rates, average earnings, student debt levels, and overall program concentration. For instance, the University of Florida boasts impressive earnings of $71,588 for its graduates, coupled with a high graduation rate of 91%. In contrast, other institutions may show lower earnings or higher debt, which can impact a graduate's long-term financial health.

Consider the University of North Florida and the University of South Florida. While both schools are solid options, the University of North Florida has a graduation rate of 69% and an average earning of $56,343. In comparison, the University of South Florida has a higher graduation rate at 76% but slightly lower earnings at $57,743. This illustrates the trade-offs you might encounter when evaluating schools: a school with a higher graduation rate may still lead to lower earnings, influencing your decision.

## Key Findings

- University of Florida graduates earn an average of $71,588, making it the top choice for nursing in Florida.
- Graduation rates vary significantly: University of Florida has 91%, while the average for all schools is only 53%.
- The average student debt for nursing graduates in Florida is $15,000, which is manageable compared to the earnings potential.
- University of North Florida's graduates earn $56,343, showing a strong return on investment despite a lower graduation rate.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of North Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-florida) | Jacksonville, FL | 69% | $56,343 | $10,154 | $15,531 | 0.28x |
| 2 | [University of Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida) | Gainesville, FL | 91% | $71,588 | $6,541 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 3 | [University of Central Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-central-florida) | Orlando, FL | 77% | $58,308 | $10,411 | $18,190 | 0.31x |
| 4 | [University of South Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-florida) | Tampa, FL | 76% | $57,743 | $9,812 | $17,988 | 0.31x |
| 5 | [University of West Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-west-florida) | Pensacola, FL | 60% | $49,137 | $9,364 | $16,624 | 0.34x |
| 6 | [Jacksonville University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/jacksonville-university) | Jacksonville, FL | 54% | $68,010 | $25,180 | $22,000 | 0.32x |
| 7 | [Nova Southeastern University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/nova-southeastern-university) | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 64% | $59,209 | $30,371 | $24,250 | 0.41x |
| 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 | [Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-agricultural-and-mechanical-university) | Tallahassee, FL | 53% | $44,349 | $13,739 | $23,548 | 0.53x |
| 10 | [Florida State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-state-university) | Tallahassee, FL | 84% | $61,675 | $11,297 | $18,000 | 0.29x |
| 11 | [University of Florida-Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida-online) | Gainesville, FL | 81% | $71,588 | $4,815 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 12 | [South Florida State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-florida-state-college) | Avon Park, FL | 49% | $39,990 | $3,877 | $7,368 | 0.18x |
| 13 | [Gulf Coast State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gulf-coast-state-college) | Panama City, FL | 44% | $38,359 | $4,709 | $7,147 | 0.19x |
| 14 | [Florida Gulf Coast University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-gulf-coast-university) | Fort Myers, FL | 57% | $54,560 | $12,568 | $17,622 | 0.32x |
| 15 | [University of Miami](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-miami) | Coral Gables, FL | 84% | $75,328 | $37,244 | $17,500 | 0.23x |
| 16 | [Florida International University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-international-university) | Miami, FL | 74% | $60,249 | $9,288 | $16,500 | 0.27x |
| 17 | [Hillsborough Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hillsborough-community-college) | Tampa, FL | 34% | $40,782 | $3,861 | $9,762 | 0.24x |
| 18 | [Saint Johns River State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-johns-river-state-college) | Palatka, FL | 47% | $41,728 | $6,135 | $12,000 | 0.29x |
| 19 | [Stetson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stetson-university) | DeLand, FL | 63% | $51,642 | $19,372 | $23,250 | 0.45x |
| 20 | [Palm Beach Atlantic University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/palm-beach-atlantic-university) | West Palm Beach, FL | 57% | $49,232 | $28,354 | $22,500 | 0.46x |
| 21 | [Barry University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/barry-university) | Miami, FL | 37% | $55,966 | $22,613 | $26,997 | 0.48x |
| 22 | [Pensacola State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pensacola-state-college) | Pensacola, FL | 39% | $36,739 | $3,957 | $7,500 | 0.2x |
| 23 | [Florida College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-college) | Temple Terrace, FL | 53% | $43,445 | $23,931 | $12,000 | 0.28x |
| 24 | [The University of Tampa](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-tampa) | Tampa, FL | 63% | $59,436 | $36,211 | $24,211 | 0.41x |
| 25 | [Daytona State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/daytona-state-college) | Daytona Beach, FL | 42% | $37,096 | $7,177 | $8,250 | 0.22x |
| 26 | [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 |
| 27 | [Northwest Florida State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-florida-state-college) | Niceville, FL | 41% | $39,664 | $4,571 | $7,932 | 0.2x |
| 28 | [Florida Southern College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-southern-college) | Lakeland, FL | 70% | $55,294 | $28,551 | $25,000 | 0.45x |
| 29 | [Polk State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/polk-state-college) | Winter Haven, FL | 35% | $40,624 | $9,427 | $10,076 | 0.25x |
| 30 | [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 |
| 31 | [Santa Fe College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/santa-fe-college) | Gainesville, FL | 53% | $41,631 | $11,098 | $11,310 | 0.27x |
| 32 | [Eastern Florida State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-florida-state-college) | Melbourne, FL | 52% | $37,195 | $6,440 | $12,250 | 0.33x |
| 33 | [St. Thomas University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/st-thomas-university) | Miami Gardens, FL | 46% | $54,272 | $26,312 | $19,125 | 0.35x |
| 34 | [St Petersburg College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/st-petersburg-college) | St. Petersburg, FL | 38% | $42,557 | $1,471 | $16,868 | 0.4x |
| 35 | [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 |
| 36 | [AdventHealth University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/adventhealth-university) | Orlando, FL | 37% | $72,282 | $30,135 | $24,590 | 0.34x |
| 37 | [Chipola College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chipola-college) | Marianna, FL | 57% | $37,378 | $1,133 | N/A | N/A |
| 38 | [Broward College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/broward-college) | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 38% | $41,939 | $14,506 | $7,500 | 0.18x |
| 39 | [SABER College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saber-college) | Miami, FL | 70% | $40,816 | $11,009 | $22,000 | 0.54x |
| 40 | [Southeastern University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southeastern-university) | Lakeland, FL | 43% | $46,744 | $31,942 | $21,500 | 0.46x |
| 41 | [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 |
| 42 | [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 |
| 43 | [The College of the Florida Keys](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-college-of-the-florida-keys) | Key West, FL | 37% | $42,508 | $13,636 | $9,500 | 0.22x |
| 44 | [Ave Maria University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ave-maria-university) | Ave Maria, FL | 55% | $49,520 | $24,860 | $20,776 | 0.42x |
| 45 | [Ultimate Medical Academy](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ultimate-medical-academy) | Clearwater, FL | 55% | $29,194 | $20,457 | $14,743 | 0.51x |
| 46 | [Tallahassee State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tallahassee-state-college) | Tallahassee, FL | 37% | $37,561 | $7,781 | $7,668 | 0.2x |
| 47 | [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 |
| 48 | [Herzing University-Orlando](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/herzing-university-orlando) | Winter Park, FL | 39% | $36,909 | $19,850 | $21,500 | 0.58x |
| 49 | [Florida Memorial University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-memorial-university) | Miami Gardens, FL | 31% | $36,624 | $23,238 | $30,063 | 0.82x |
| 50 | [Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/academy-for-nursing-and-health-occupations) | West Palm Beach, FL | 49% | $47,039 | $30,381 | $20,293 | 0.43x |

## 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 Nursing Colleges in Florida." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-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/.