Best Value Economics Colleges in Florida

University of Florida delivers the strongest value proposition for economics students, combining a net cost of just $6,351 with post-graduation earnings of $48,265. This creates a return that few programs nationwide can match, especially when considering UF's selective 23% acceptance rate maintains academic rigor. The gap between public and private options spans dramatically, with University of Miami costing $36,803 annually compared to Florida's public universities averaging under $11,000. Florida's lack of state income tax amplifies these earnings advantages, while the state's growing financial services sector in cities like Miami and Tampa creates natural career pathways for economics graduates. The Bright Futures scholarship program can eliminate tuition entirely for high-achieving Florida residents, making programs like Florida State University and University of Central Florida even more attractive. With tourism generating over $100 billion annually and aerospace companies like SpaceX establishing major operations, Florida's economy provides economics graduates with varied industries to analyze and join.

Programs

$6,351 – $36,803

Net Price Range

$42,687

Avg. Program Earnings

65.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Economics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Florida Gainesville, Florida	$6,351	$48,265	$6,381	91.5%	23.4%
2	Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, Florida	$8,001	$40,209	$4,879	64.3%	81.3%
3	Florida International University Miami, Florida	$9,133	$41,007	$6,565	73.9%	63.9%
4	University of South Florida Tampa, Florida	$10,043	$38,289	$6,410	74.6%	43.9%
5	Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, Florida	$10,319	$39,009	$6,118	56.0%	74.4%
6	Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida	$10,997	$40,728	$5,656	83.0%	25.0%
7	University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida	$10,650	$39,009	$6,368	75.1%	41.0%
8	University of North Florida Jacksonville, Florida	$10,353	$36,221	$6,389	68.2%	70.5%
9	Ave Maria University Ave Maria, Florida	$23,655	$48,041	$28,222	55.5%	44.2%
10	Flagler College Saint Augustine, Florida	$29,951	$52,107	$26,610	55.9%	81.0%
11	University of Miami Coral Gables, Florida	$36,803	$48,432	$59,926	84.2%	18.9%
12	Rollins College Winter Park, Florida	$33,847	$42,044	$58,300	76.9%	50.0%
13	The University of Tampa Tampa, Florida	$35,634	$41,565	$33,424	61.9%	26.4%
14	Strayer University-Florida Tampa, Florida	$17,518		$13,920
15	Schiller International University Tampa, Florida	$24,840		$13,680	50.0%
16	University of West Florida Pensacola, Florida	$8,155		$6,360	61.8%	48.0%
17	Stetson University DeLand, Florida	$21,318		$55,220	62.8%	93.8%
18	St. Thomas University Miami Gardens, Florida	$24,275		$34,770	43.4%	65.2%
19	Saint Leo University Saint Leo, Florida	$18,467		$28,360	48.8%	80.1%
20	Jacksonville University Jacksonville, Florida	$26,255		$46,180	57.0%	57.7%
21	Florida Southern College Lakeland, Florida	$29,664		$42,360	69.3%	56.6%
22	Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, Florida	$15,847		$5,785	51.9%	32.9%
23	Eckerd College Saint Petersburg, Florida	$33,011		$50,374	67.6%	65.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Florida such a strong value for economics students?

UF combines the lowest net cost at $6,351 with the second-highest earnings at $48,265 among public universities in the state. The program maintains academic standards with a 23% acceptance rate while delivering a 91% graduation rate. Students graduate with just $15,000 in debt on average, creating an strong return on investment that private universities struggle to match.

How do private university costs compare to earnings potential?

Private universities cost between $23,655 and $36,803 annually, with University of Miami being the most expensive option. However, Flagler College graduates earn the highest salaries at $52,107, while Miami graduates earn $48,432. The return on investment becomes questionable when comparing these to University of Florida's $6,351 cost and $48,265 earnings.

Is Florida's job market favorable for economics graduates?

Florida's varied economy creates strong opportunities across multiple sectors that value economic analysis. The state's tourism industry generates over $100 billion annually, requiring economic forecasting and analysis. Major financial services firms operate throughout South Florida, while the absence of state income tax means graduates keep more of their $36,221 to $52,107 salaries compared to other states.

Does the Bright Futures program significantly impact costs?

Bright Futures can cover full tuition for qualifying Florida residents, making in-state costs even more attractive. Florida State University charges just $5,656 in-state before scholarships, while University of Central Florida costs $6,368. High-achieving students could attend these programs for primarily room and board expenses, creating unmatched value propositions.

Where do graduation rates vary most among Florida economics programs?

Graduation rates span from 50% at some private institutions to 91% at University of Florida. Florida State maintains an 83% rate while University of Miami achieves 84%, showing that higher costs don't guarantee better completion rates. Public universities like University of Central Florida and Florida International University maintain respectable 75% and 74% rates respectively at much lower costs.

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