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Best Schools in Florida

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2023 Best Schools in Florida

74 Schools Ranked
$39,356 Average Earnings
$21,860 Avg Student Debt

There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamp that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Best Schools in Florida ranking. Our analysis looked at 74 schools in Florida to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Schools in Florida

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

University of Florida-Online

Gainesville, Florida
$36,889 Average Earnings
$19,514 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Florida-Online the best school in Florida for students working on their degree.

Degree recipients from UF Online accumulate an average of $19,514 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $208. During the early years of their career, UF Online graduates make an average of $36,889 annually.

Read full report on University of Florida-Online

$41,940 Average Earnings
$30,604 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Rasmussen University - Florida. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Schools in Florida list.

On average, students take out $30,604 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $127. During the early years of their career, Rasmussen University - Florida graduates make an average of $41,940 annually.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Florida

#3

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
$51,332 Average Earnings
$18,875 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 74 schools in Florida that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Florida landed the # 3 spot on the list.

On average, students take out $18,875 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $207, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UF, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,332 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of Florida

$61,176 Average Earnings
$24,247 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in Florida.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,247 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $811, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,176 during the early years of their career.

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#5

Florida SouthWestern State College

Fort Myers, Florida
$48,021 Average Earnings
$17,143 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Florida SouthWestern State College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in Florida.

Degree recipients from FSW accumulate an average of $17,143 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, FSW graduates make an average of $48,021 annually.

Read full report on Florida SouthWestern State College

$40,156 Average Earnings
$18,698 Avg Student Debt

Hillsborough Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #6 on the list.

Degree recipients from HCC accumulate an average of $18,698 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $114. During the early years of their career, HCC graduates make an average of $40,156 annually.

Read full report on Hillsborough Community College

#7

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
$44,027 Average Earnings
$20,926 Avg Student Debt

Florida State University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Florida ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,926 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $171, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Florida State graduates make an average of $44,027 annually.

Read full report on Florida State University

#8

Florida Polytechnic University

Lakeland, Florida
$54,616 Average Earnings
$13,716 Avg Student Debt

Florida Polytechnic University ranked #8 on this year’s Best Schools in Florida list.

Degree recipients from Florida Poly accumulate an average of $13,716 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Florida Poly, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,616 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Florida Polytechnic University

#9

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida
$44,595 Average Earnings
$22,607 Avg Student Debt

University of Central Florida did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #9 on the list.

Degree recipients from UCF accumulate an average of $22,607 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $211. Once they receive their degree, UCF graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,595 during the early year of their career.

Full University of Central Florida Report

#10

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida
$45,957 Average Earnings
$17,771 Avg Student Debt

University of Miami came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Florida ranking.

On average, students take out $17,771 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $530 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, U Miami graduates make an average of $45,957 annually.

Full University of Miami Report

#11

Polk State College

Winter Haven, Florida
$40,275 Average Earnings
$17,299 Avg Student Debt

Polk State College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Florida ranking.

Degree recipients from Polk State accumulate an average of $17,299 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Polk State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,275 during the early years of their career.

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#12

Southeastern University

Lakeland, Florida
$36,349 Average Earnings
$24,164 Avg Student Debt

Southeastern University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Schools in Florida list.

Degree recipients from SEU accumulate an average of $24,164 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $308.After graduating from SEU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,349 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#13

St Petersburg College

Clearwater, Florida
$40,600 Average Earnings
$25,619 Avg Student Debt

St Petersburg College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Florida ranking.

On average, students take out $25,619 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, SPC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,600 during the early year of their career.

Full St Petersburg College Report

$45,747 Average Earnings
$24,223 Avg Student Debt

University of South Florida - Main Campus landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

On average, students take out $24,223 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $177, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, USF Tampa graduates make an average of $45,747 annually.

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#15

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, Florida
$59,080 Average Earnings
$34,882 Avg Student Debt

Florida Institute of Technology came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Florida ranking.

On average, students take out $34,882 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $588 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Florida Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $59,080 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Florida Institute of Technology

#16

Valencia College

Orlando, Florida
$37,350 Average Earnings
$18,372 Avg Student Debt

Valencia College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Florida ranking.

Degree recipients from Valencia College accumulate an average of $18,372 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $83, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Valencia College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,350 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Valencia College

$37,833 Average Earnings
$19,694 Avg Student Debt

Seminole State College of Florida did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #17 on the list.

Degree recipients from Seminole State accumulate an average of $19,694 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Seminole State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,833 during the early years of their career.

Full Seminole State College of Florida Report

#18

Miami Dade College

Miami, Florida
$37,255 Average Earnings
$16,593 Avg Student Debt

Miami Dade College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #18 on the list.

On average, students take out $16,593 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, MDC graduates make an average of $37,255 annually.

Read full report on Miami Dade College

$51,492 Average Earnings
$35,881 Avg Student Debt

Florida Institute of Technology - Online did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #19 on the list.

On average, students take out $35,881 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $469.After graduating from Florida Institute of Technology - Online, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,492 during the early years of their career.

Full Florida Institute of Technology - Online Report

#20

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, Florida
$43,420 Average Earnings
$21,324 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Florida Gulf Coast University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

On average, students take out $21,324 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $201, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, FGCU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,420 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Florida Gulf Coast University

#21

Chipola College

Marianna, Florida
$40,619 Average Earnings
$11,601 Avg Student Debt

Chipola College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

Degree recipients from Chipola accumulate an average of $11,601 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Chipola graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,619 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Chipola College

#22

Indian River State College

Fort Pierce, Florida
$35,566 Average Earnings
$13,075 Avg Student Debt

Indian River State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #22 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,075 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Indian River State College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,566 during the early year of their career.

Full Indian River State College Report

#23

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida
$41,241 Average Earnings
$19,613 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Florida State College at Jacksonville did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

Degree recipients from FSCJ accumulate an average of $19,613 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from FSCJ, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,241 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Florida State College at Jacksonville

#24

Daytona State College

Daytona Beach, Florida
$38,012 Average Earnings
$15,475 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Daytona State College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

Degree recipients from Daytona State College accumulate an average of $15,475 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Daytona State College graduates make an average of $38,012 annually.

Read full report on Daytona State College

$25,420 Average Earnings
$21,949 Avg Student Debt

Altierus Career College - Tampa did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #25 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,949 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $44. During the early years of their career, Altierus Career College - Tampa graduates make an average of $25,420 annually.

Full Altierus Career College - Tampa Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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