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Best Value Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida

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2023 Best Value Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

20 Schools Ranked
$21,815 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$21,241 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. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Best Value Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida ranking. Our analysis looked at 20 schools in Florida to see which graduate certificate programs offered the best value experiences for students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

This ranking is not just a list of inexpensive schools. We also consider each school's quality, since we believe a low-quality school may not be a 'bargain' at any price. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

For nationwide and regional rankings, we use out-of-state tuition and fees in our calculations. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Top Value Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida
174 Total Awards
$18,482 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Florida Atlantic University the best value school in Florida for students working on their graduate certificate. Boca Raton, Florida is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out graduate certificates to 174 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at FAU are $18,482 a year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since FAU does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 90% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Florida Atlantic University Report

#2

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida
499 Total Awards
$28,657 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means University of Central Florida is a great place for students working on their graduate certificate who want the most bang for their educational buck. UCF is located in Orlando, Florida and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 499 graduate certificates to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at UCF are $28,657 per year. By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,102 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that UCF does offer online graduate classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 79% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, UCF is ranked #4 for overall quality in Florida.

Read full report on University of Central Florida

#3

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
1,016 Total Awards
$30,130 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of Florida. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida list. Gainesville, Florida is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out graduate certificates to 1,016 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at UF are $30,130 a year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at UF. During the 2019-2020 year, about 79% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, UF is ranked #1 for overall quality in Florida.

Read More…

#4

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
53 Total Awards
$26,707 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 20 schools in Florida that were part of this year’s value ranking, Florida State University landed the # 4 spot on the list. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, the large public school awarded 53 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at Florida State are $26,707 per year. Graduate Certificate recipients from this school accumulate an average of $21,686 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online graduate courses are available at Florida State, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 92% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Florida State also made our Best Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida list, coming in at #3.

Read full report on Florida State University

#5

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, Florida
35 Total Awards
$21,930 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means University of North Florida is a great place for students working on their graduate certificate who want the most bang for their educational buck. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, the fairly large public school handed out 35 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

UNF graduate students pay an average of $21,930 in tuition and fees each year.

UNF does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 94% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

UNF not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #5 on our Best Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida list.

Full University of North Florida Report

204 Total Awards
$24,211 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #6, Florida International University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for students working on their graduate certificate. FIU is located in Miami, Florida and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 204 graduate certificates to qualified students.

FIU graduate students pay an average of $24,211 in tuition and fees each year.

FIU does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 84% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Florida International University Report

15 Total Awards
$21,126 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #7, University of South Florida - Main Campus did quite well on this year’s best value schools for students working on their graduate certificate. Located in Tampa, Florida, the large public school awarded 15 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at USF Tampa are $21,126 a year.

Online graduate courses are available at USF Tampa, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 69% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of South Florida - Main Campus Report

#8

The University of Tampa

Tampa, Florida
16 Total Awards
$12,014 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Tampa ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida list. Located in Tampa, Florida, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 16 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at UT are $12,014 a year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UT does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In fact, around 25% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on The University of Tampa

#9

Southeastern University

Lakeland, Florida
16 Total Awards
$12,350 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #9, Southeastern University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for students working on their graduate certificate. SEU is located in Lakeland, Florida and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 16 graduate certificates to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at SEU are $12,350 per year.

SEU does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 78% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Southeastern University Report

#10

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, Florida
33 Total Awards
$14,039 Average Tuition & Fees

Jacksonville University ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida list. Jacksonville, Florida is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out graduate certificates to 33 students in 2020-2021.

JU graduate students pay an average of $14,039 in tuition and fees each year.

One thing to take note of is that JU does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In fact, around 57% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#11

Lynn University

Boca Raton, Florida
12 Total Awards
$13,700 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #11, Lynn University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for students working on their graduate certificate. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Boca Raton, Florida, and it awarded 12 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at Lynn University Fighting Knights are $13,700 per year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Lynn University Fighting Knights. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 83% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#11

St. Thomas University

Miami Gardens, Florida
72 Total Awards
$14,400 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #11, St. Thomas University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for students working on their graduate certificate. Miami Gardens, Florida is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out graduate certificates to 72 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at STU are $14,400 a year. By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,534 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at STU. In fact, around 45% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on St. Thomas University

#13

Florida Southern College

Lakeland, Florida
9 Total Awards
$17,482 Average Tuition & Fees

Florida Southern College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida ranking. Located in Lakeland, Florida, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 9 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at Florida Southern are $17,482 per year.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at Florida Southern. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 30% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Florida Southern College Report

#14

Full Sail University

Winter Park, Florida
40 Total Awards
$15,472 Average Tuition & Fees

Full Sail University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #14 on the list. Full Sail University is a private for-profit institution located in Winter Park, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 40 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at Full Sail University are $15,472 a year.

Full Sail University is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each graduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read More…

#15

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, Florida
28 Total Awards
$22,588 Average Tuition & Fees

Florida Institute of Technology did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #15 on the list. Melbourne, Florida is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out graduate certificates to 28 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at Florida Tech are $22,588 per year.

Online graduate courses are available at Florida Tech, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 50% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Florida Institute of Technology

#16

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
217 Total Awards
$22,790 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #16, Nova Southeastern University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for students working on their graduate certificate. Nova Southeastern University is a large private not-for-profit school located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that handed out 217 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at NUS Florida are $22,790 per year.

One thing to take note of is that NUS Florida does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In fact, around 52% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#17

Barry University

Miami, Florida
8 Total Awards
$17,910 Average Tuition & Fees

Barry University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida ranking. Located in Miami, Florida, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 8 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at Barry University are $17,910 a year.

Barry University does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 29% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Barry University Report

4 Total Awards
$16,688 Average Tuition & Fees

Florida National University - Main Campus came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida ranking. Located in Hialeah, Florida, the small private for-profit school handed out 4 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for graduate students at Florida National University - Main Campus are $16,688 per year.

Online graduate courses are available at Florida National University - Main Campus, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 94% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#19

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida
108 Total Awards
$41,036 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Miami landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value graduate certificate programs. Coral Gables, Florida is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out graduate certificates to 108 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at U Miami are $41,036 a year. By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,723 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at U Miami. During the 2019-2020 year, about 29% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, U Miami is ranked #2 for overall quality in Florida.

Full University of Miami Report

#20

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
104 Total Awards
$30,832 Average Tuition & Fees

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Graduate Certificate Schools in Florida ranking. Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 104 graduate certificates to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state graduate students at Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale are $30,832 a year.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale. During the 2019-2020 year, about 71% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

View Best Value Graduate Certificate Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 20 schools only.

References

  • 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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