2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Florida
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Florida? Our ranking highlights 336 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 74 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Florida
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Tallahassee Community College this year in Florida. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,026, with out-of-state students paying around $8,062. Tallahassee Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $16,340 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,561. Set against $16,340 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Tallahassee Community College
You'll get strong value at Hillsborough Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Tampa, FL, Hillsborough Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,491, compared with $9,088 for out-of-state students. Hillsborough Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $16,142 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,782 ten years after entry. Set against $16,142 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Hillsborough Community College
Valencia College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Florida. Located in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $9,576. Valencia College Science & Tech students take on a median of $14,413 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,594 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Valencia College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at St Petersburg College earned it the #4 place in Florida. Set in St. Petersburg, FL, St Petersburg College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,682, compared with $9,286 for out-of-state students. St Petersburg College Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,385 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,557. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full St Petersburg College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Santa Fe College earned it the #5 place in Florida. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,563, with out-of-state students paying around $9,189. Graduates carry a median of $17,558 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,631 ten years after entry. Set against $17,558 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Santa Fe College
Florida State College At Jacksonville placed #6 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Florida. Set in Jacksonville, FL, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,657, with out-of-state students paying around $9,631. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $19,139. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,244 ten years after entry. Set against $19,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Florida State College At Jacksonville
Indian River State College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,764, compared with $10,201 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,315. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Read more about Indian River State College
Eastern Florida State College placed #8 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Florida. Located in Melbourne, FL, Eastern Florida State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,791, while out-of-state students pay about $10,976. Eastern Florida State College Science & Tech students take on a median of $18,123 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,195. Set against $18,123 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Eastern Florida State College
Miami Dade College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Miami Dade College is a public school based in Miami, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,838, compared with $9,661 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,967. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,654. Set against $11,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Miami Dade College
College Of Central Florida ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Ocala, FL, College Of Central Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,710, compared with $10,517 for out-of-state students. College Of Central Florida Science & Tech students take on a median of $18,934 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about College Of Central Florida
Edison State College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Edison State College is a public school based in Fort Myers, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,401, with out-of-state students paying around $12,979. Graduates carry a median of $13,356 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,421 ten years out. Set against $13,356 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Edison State College
Broward College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,830, compared with $8,952 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $13,110. Broward College alumni report median earnings of $41,939 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,110 median debt. Get the full Broward College report
Gulf Coast State College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Panama City, FL, Gulf Coast State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,370, with out-of-state students paying around $8,635. Students borrow a median of $8,286 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $38,359 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Gulf Coast State College
Saint Johns River State College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Palatka, FL, Saint Johns River State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,591, with out-of-state students paying around $9,334. Graduates carry a median of $16,293 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,728. That is a strong return on a $16,293 median debt. More on Saint Johns River State College
Pensacola State College placed #15 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Florida. This public school is set in Pensacola, FL. Students from in state pay about $2,361 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,463. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,191. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,739. That is a strong return on a $9,191 median debt. More on Pensacola State College
University Of Florida Online offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,876, with out-of-state students paying around $16,579. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $17,779. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $17,779 median debt. University Of Florida Online admits about 61% of applicants. Get the full University Of Florida Online report
Seminole State College Of Florida placed #17 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Florida. Located in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,122, with out-of-state students paying around $11,447. Graduates carry a median of $18,419 in student loans. Seminole State College Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $41,733 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Seminole State College Of Florida
Daytona State College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Daytona State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,106, compared with $11,994 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,227 in student loans. Daytona State College alumni report median earnings of $37,096 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,227 median debt. Get the full Daytona State College report
Polk State College placed #19 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Florida. Located in Winter Haven, FL, Polk State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,694, while out-of-state students pay about $9,818. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,806. Polk State College alumni report median earnings of $40,624 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,806 median debt. Get the full Polk State College report
Palm Beach State College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Lake Worth, FL, Palm Beach State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,050, while out-of-state students pay about $10,910. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,518. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,923 ten years after entry. Set against $12,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Palm Beach State College
Chipola College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Marianna, FL, Chipola College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $8,950. Students borrow a median of $9,097 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $37,378 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Chipola College
North Florida Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Madison, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $2,994, with out-of-state students paying around $11,460. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $7,902. North Florida Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,929 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,902 median debt. More on North Florida Community College
Florida Gateway College landed the #23 spot for value in Florida this year. This public school is set in Lake City, FL. Students from in state pay about $3,100 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,747 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,669 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $37,894 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,669 median debt. Get the full Florida Gateway College report
State College Of Florida Manatee Sarasota placed #24 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Florida. Set in Bradenton, FL, State College Of Florida Manatee Sarasota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,074 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,595. The median Science & Tech program debt is $17,360. Median earnings reach $40,318 ten years out. Set against $17,360 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full State College Of Florida Manatee Sarasota profile
Northwest Florida State College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Niceville, FL, Northwest Florida State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,583, with out-of-state students paying around $10,612. Graduates carry a median of $11,566 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,664. Set against $11,566 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northwest Florida State College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Florida
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Pasco Hernando Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in New Port Richey, FL, Pasco Hernando Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,155, while out-of-state students pay about $12,032. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,908. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,903. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Pasco Hernando Community College profile
Lake Sumter Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Leesburg, FL, Lake Sumter Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,292, with out-of-state students paying around $13,276. Graduates carry a median of $10,786 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,876. That is a strong return on a $10,786 median debt. More on Lake Sumter Community College
Florida Polytechnic University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lakeland, FL, Florida Polytechnic University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,940, with out-of-state students paying around $21,004. Florida Polytechnic University Science & Tech students take on a median of $7,500 in debt. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Florida Polytechnic University report
University Of Florida ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $17,669. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
South Florida State College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Avon Park, FL, South Florida State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,165, compared with $11,859 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,204 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,990 ten years after entry. Set against $8,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full South Florida State College profile
Florida Atlantic University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Florida Atlantic University Science & Tech students take on a median of $20,212 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,746. Set against $20,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Florida Atlantic University
University Of Central Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. The median Science & Tech program debt is $21,620. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,308 ten years after entry. Set against $21,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%. More on University Of Central Florida
Florida State University placed #33 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Florida. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Students borrow a median of $20,488 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Florida State University alumni report median earnings of $61,675 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants. More on Florida State University
Florida Gulf Coast University placed #34 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Florida. This public school is set in Fort Myers, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,118, while out-of-state students pay about $25,162. The median Science & Tech program debt is $20,015. Median earnings reach $54,560 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,015 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Florida Gulf Coast University profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #35 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Florida. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $21,829. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of North Florida placed #36 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Florida. Set in Jacksonville, FL, University Of North Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,964, with out-of-state students paying around $19,407. University Of North Florida Science & Tech students take on a median of $18,523 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,343. Set against $18,523 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 53% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Florida
Florida International University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Florida International University is a public school based in Miami, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Graduates carry a median of $19,349 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full Florida International University report
The University Of West Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Pensacola, FL, The University Of West Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,776, with out-of-state students paying around $18,658. Graduates carry a median of $19,677 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,137. That is a strong return on a $19,677 median debt. The University Of West Florida has an acceptance rate of 58%. Get the full The University Of West Florida report
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,785, with out-of-state students paying around $17,725. Students borrow a median of $26,824 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University alumni report median earnings of $44,349 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,824 median debt. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University has an acceptance rate of 21%. Get the full Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University report
Rasmussen College Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,256. Graduates carry a median of $28,798 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. Set against $28,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Rasmussen College Florida
Florida Institute Of Technology Online placed #41 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Florida. Set in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology Online is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,780. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $38,188. Median earnings reach $43,137 ten years out. Set against $38,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Florida Institute Of Technology Online report
Hodges University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Fort Myers, FL, Hodges University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $29,762 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Hodges University alumni report median earnings of $37,052 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Hodges University
Devry University Florida landed the #44 spot for value in Florida this year. Set in Orlando, FL, Devry University Florida is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,008. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $46,249. Devry University Florida alumni report median earnings of $45,987 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $46,249 median debt. Read the full report on Devry University Florida
Strayer University Florida landed the #45 spot for value in Florida this year. Strayer University Florida is a private for-profit school based in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $13,920 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $47,631 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Strayer University Florida
Southwest Florida College placed #46 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Florida. Southwest Florida College is a private for-profit school based in Fort Myers, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,125. Southwest Florida College Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,641 in debt. Southwest Florida College alumni report median earnings of $36,155 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,641 median debt. Get the full Southwest Florida College report
Warner University landed the #47 spot for value in Florida this year. Based in Lake Wales, FL, Warner University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,992. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,802. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,086 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,802 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%. More on Warner University
Southeastern University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Lakeland, FL, Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,950. Graduates carry a median of $23,460 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,744. That is a strong return on a $23,460 median debt. Southeastern University admits about 53% of applicants. See the full Southeastern University profile
Florida National University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private for-profit school is set in Hialeah, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,368. Graduates carry a median of $27,884 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,928. Set against $27,884 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Florida National University Main Campus
City College Altamonte Springs came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. City College Altamonte Springs is a private for-profit school based in Altamonte Springs, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,615. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $28,128. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,994. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. See the full City College Altamonte Springs profile
City College Fort Lauderdale offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Located in Hollywood, FL, City College Fort Lauderdale is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,615. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $35,613. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,938. That is a strong return on a $35,613 median debt. City College Fort Lauderdale admits about 100% of applicants. See the full City College Fort Lauderdale profile
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 74 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 336 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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