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Florida's business programs demonstrate massive cost differences that don't always predict earnings outcomes. Public universities like University of West Florida charge just $8,155 net cost while private options like Rollins College reach $33,847, yet Strayer University graduates earn $50,096 compared to Rollins' $41,565. The state's tourism and aerospace sectors create strong demand for business graduates, with companies like Disney, Universal, and Lockheed Martin maintaining major Florida operations. University of South Florida stands out with solid $41,416 earnings at only $10,043 net cost, making it exceptionally competitive among the 17 programs analyzed. Florida State University maintains the highest selectivity at 25% acceptance while delivering $38,289 median earnings. The earnings range spans from $29,685 to $50,096, reflecting the varied career paths available in Florida's varied economy from hospitality management to defense contracting.
17
Programs
$8,155 – $33,847
Net Price Range
$39,121
Avg. Program Earnings
57.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,043 $41,416 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
2 $8,155 $29,685 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
3 $10,997 $38,289 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
4 $10,650 $36,130 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
5 $17,518 $50,096 $13,920
6 $18,467 $46,852 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
7 $30,209 $40,485 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
8 $33,847 $41,565 $58,300 76.9% 50.0%
9 $29,932 $33,987 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
10 $33,011 $32,708 $50,374 67.6% 65.1%
11 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
12 $19,273 $14,300 44.2% 49.6%
13 $21,283 $16,300 59.8%
14 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
15 $26,255 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
16 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
17 $9,433 $10,405 70.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of South Florida such strong value for business students?

USF delivers $41,416 median earnings while charging only $10,043 net cost, creating one of the best return ratios among Florida business programs. The university maintains a 74.60% graduation rate and accepts 43.93% of applicants, indicating solid academic standards without extreme selectivity. Tampa's location provides access to major corporations and internship opportunities across finance, healthcare, and technology sectors.

How do private business programs compare to public options in Florida?

Private programs range from $17,518 to $33,847 net cost compared to public schools at $8,155 to $10,997, yet earnings outcomes vary significantly. Strayer University leads all programs with $50,096 median earnings despite moderate costs, while expensive options like Rollins College produce $41,565 earnings. Some private schools like Webber International show concerning 26% graduation rates that raise value questions.

Is Florida State University worth the competitive admission process?

FSU accepts only 25.04% of applicants but delivers $38,289 median earnings at $10,997 net cost with an impressive 83% graduation rate. The university provides access to strong alumni networks in Florida's business community and state government. However, students should compare this against less selective options like UCF, which offers similar earnings potential with 41% acceptance rates.

Where do Florida business graduates find the highest-paying opportunities?

Strayer University graduates earn the highest median salaries at $50,096, followed by Saint Leo University at $46,852, suggesting that career services and industry connections matter beyond school rankings. Florida's aerospace industry around Cape Canaveral, tourism giants in Orlando, and international business in Miami create varied high-paying paths. The state's lack of income tax means these earnings translate to higher take-home pay than comparable salaries elsewhere.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.