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Florida's finance programs deliver striking value differences, with the University of Florida charging just $6,351 net cost while producing graduates earning $59,318 annually. This massive return on investment reflects the state's thriving financial sector, which includes major banking operations, investment firms, and insurance companies serving the Southeast. The earnings gap between programs spans nearly $28,000, from University of West Florida's $32,569 to University of Miami's $60,623. Public universities dominate the value market, with nine of the top ten most affordable options coming from state institutions. Florida's lack of state income tax amplifies these already strong salary figures, making take-home pay particularly attractive for finance graduates. The data reveals acceptance rates ranging from ultra-selective University of Florida at 23% to open-access options above 80%, giving students multiple pathways into finance careers that support the state's tourism, real estate, and international trade industries.
30
Programs
$-52 – $38,222
Net Price Range
$48,719
Avg. Program Earnings
54.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,351 $59,318 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
2 $9,133 $49,482 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
3 $8,001 $42,944 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
4 $10,353 $48,539 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
5 $10,997 $50,894 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
6 $10,319 $47,520 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
7 $10,043 $44,850 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
8 $10,650 $45,361 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
9 $8,155 $32,569 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
10 $19,113 $52,107 $15,117 51.0%
11 $21,318 $48,667 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
12 $26,255 $53,358 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
13 $22,978 $44,971 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
14 $36,803 $60,623 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
15 $35,634 $49,579 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
16 $22,602 $15,580 22.4%
17 $23,629 $16,088 28.1%
18 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
19 $23,655 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
20 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
21 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
22 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
23 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
24 $32,751 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
25 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
26 $35,300 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
27 $29,951 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
28 $2,760 $2,878 32.4%
29 $38,222 $42,950 52.7% 80.1%
30 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Florida's finance program such an outstanding value?

University of Florida combines the lowest net cost at $6,351 with the second-highest graduate earnings at $59,318, creating an strong return on investment. The program maintains a selective 23% acceptance rate while achieving a 91.5% graduation rate. Students graduate with just $16,681 in debt on average, well below the national average for finance programs.

How do Florida's public universities compare to private schools for finance value?

Public universities dominate the value rankings, with net costs ranging from $6,351 to $10,997 compared to private schools at $19,113 to $36,803. However, some private institutions like University of Miami justify higher costs with top earnings of $60,623. Florida International University offers the best public alternative in Miami, with strong $49,482 earnings at just $9,133 net cost.

Does Florida's tax structure benefit finance graduates significantly?

Florida's absence of state income tax provides substantial benefits for finance graduates earning $40,000-$60,000 annually. A graduate earning $50,000 would save approximately $2,000-$3,000 per year compared to high-tax states. This tax advantage effectively increases the value proposition of all Florida finance programs by boosting take-home pay without additional education costs.

Is there a correlation between program selectivity and graduate earnings in Florida?

The most selective programs generally produce higher earnings, with University of Florida (23% acceptance) and University of Miami (19% acceptance) leading in graduate salaries. However, Florida State University breaks this pattern, combining moderate 25% acceptance with strong $50,894 earnings. Several less selective programs like Florida Atlantic University still deliver solid $42,944 earnings at much higher acceptance rates.

Where do Florida finance graduates find the best career opportunities?

Miami and Tampa lead in finance career opportunities, with major banks, investment firms, and international finance companies concentrated in these metros. Jacksonville offers strong banking sector jobs, while Orlando provides opportunities in hospitality finance and real estate investment. The state's tourism industry creates unique finance roles in resort management, entertainment finance, and hospitality investment that complement traditional banking and investment careers.

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