Home to 47 ranked institutions, Florida offers a diverse higher education landscape dominated by large public universities alongside specialized private colleges. With 23% public and 77% private nonprofit institutions, graduates earn a median of $50,686 ten years after enrollment—$5,131 lower than the national average, reflecting the state's varied economic sectors from tourism to aerospace.
Graduate earnings across Florida's institutions range from $29,420 to $84,131 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating significant variation in career outcomes. Florida International University leads the rankings with graduates earning $60,249, followed by University of Central Florida at $58,308 and University of South Florida at $57,743. The median earnings gap compared to national averages underscores how program selection and institutional choice directly impact long-term financial outcomes.
While Florida International University dominates the overall rankings, it also serves as the state's premier hidden gem with a 58% acceptance rate. Achieving the highest Azimuth Score of 2.4 while maintaining accessible admissions, FIU demonstrates that students don't need ultra-selective institutions to access top-tier outcomes in Florida's competitive higher education market.
Compare net price, debt, and earnings scenarios
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Melbourne, FL | $43,137 Median Earnings (10yr) | $24,825 | 44.4% | 65.5% | |
| #22 | Bethune-Cookman UniversityPrivate | Daytona Beach, FL | $38,518 Median Earnings (10yr) | $13,728 | 99.9% | 27.8% |
| #23 | Miami Beach, FL | $30,667 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,305 | — | 36.4% | |
| #24 | Everglades UniversityPrivate | Boca Raton, FL | $47,597 Median Earnings (10yr) | $26,784 | 86.4% | 57.8% |
| #25 | The University Of TampaPrivate | Tampa, FL | $59,436 Median Earnings (10yr) | $30,631 | 40.9% | 61.9% |
| #26 | Graceville, FL | $42,836 Median Earnings (10yr) | $8,933 | 64.1% | 69.2% | |
| #27 | St. Thomas UniversityPrivate | Miami Gardens, FL | $54,272 Median Earnings (10yr) | $23,083 | 99.4% | 43.4% |
| #28 | Stetson UniversityPrivate | Deland, FL | $51,642 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,596 | 86.4% | 62.8% |
| #29 | Ave Maria UniversityPrivate | Ave Maria, FL | $49,520 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,716 | 44.8% | 55.5% |
| #30 | Trinity Baptist CollegePrivate | Jacksonville, FL | $37,275 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,080 | 62.5% | 44.2% |
| #31 | Babson Park, FL | $45,606 Median Earnings (10yr) | $29,108 | 77.6% | 26.0% | |
| #32 | Florida Southern CollegePrivate | Lakeland, FL | $55,294 Median Earnings (10yr) | $23,266 | 59.1% | 69.3% |
| #33 | Rollins CollegePrivate | Winter Park, FL | $58,295 Median Earnings (10yr) | $25,481 | 40.6% | 76.9% |
| #34 | Florida Memorial UniversityPrivate | Miami Gardens, FL | $36,624 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,963 | 74.3% | 30.2% |
| #35 | Trinity College Of FloridaPrivate | Trinity, FL | $32,465 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,912 | 96.3% | 0.0% |
| #36 | Miami, FL | $47,540 Median Earnings (10yr) | — | — | 0.0% | |
| #37 | Orlando, FL | $47,540 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,211 | — | 8.3% | |
| #38 | Southeastern UniversityPrivate | Lakeland, FL | $46,744 Median Earnings (10yr) | $28,140 | 74.3% | 43.3% |
| #39 | Albizu University-MiamiPrivate | Miami, FL | $41,544 Median Earnings (10yr) | $36,302 | 100.0% | 60.0% |
| #40 | Flagler CollegePrivate | Saint Augustine, FL | $49,483 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,668 | 78.1% | 55.9% |
