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Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Florida

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

New College of Florida stands out with a net price of just $4,536, making it the most affordable Liberal Arts and Sciences program in the state despite recent institutional changes. This represents a massive cost advantage over private alternatives like Nova Southeastern University at $31,303 annually. Florida's job market rewards Liberal Arts graduates with strong communication skills, particularly in the state's expanding healthcare administration and tourism management sectors where graduates earn between $21,508 and $39,774. University of South Florida delivers the highest earnings at $39,774 while maintaining a reasonable $10,043 net cost. The state's no-income-tax policy means Liberal Arts graduates keep more of their earnings compared to other states. Public universities dominate the value equation, with five schools offering net prices under $11,000. Florida State University achieves an impressive 83% graduation rate despite producing lower initial earnings at $21,508. The Bright Futures scholarship program can eliminate tuition costs entirely for high achievers, making even private options more accessible for qualified students.
41
Programs
$4,536 – $38,222
Net Price Range
$29,081
Avg. Program Earnings
55.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

41 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,536 $22,444 $6,916 61.8% 75.4%
2 $10,043 $39,774 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
3 $8,001 $30,047 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
4 $9,133 $34,230 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
5 $10,650 $38,289 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
6 $10,997 $21,508 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
7 $14,892 $28,719 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
8 $18,467 $27,181 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
9 $22,978 $27,890 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
10 $22,527 $27,295 $18,920 50.6% 71.7%
11 $29,951 $25,774 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
12 $31,303 $25,824 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
13 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
14 $23,655 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
15 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
16 $21,318 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
17 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
18 $35,634 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
19 $19,273 $14,300 44.2% 49.6%
20 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
21 $21,283 $16,300 59.8%
22 $21,007 $28,160 34.9% 55.1%
23 $23,629 $16,088 28.1%
24 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
25 $36,576 $49,230 57.3% 51.9%
26 $33,847 $58,300 76.9% 50.0%
27 $32,751 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
28 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
29 $36,803 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
30 $26,255 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
31 $10,888 $9,068 60.7%
32 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
33 $29,664 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
34 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
35 $35,300 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
36 $13,580 $14,878 28.0% 83.5%
37 $33,011 $50,374 67.6% 65.1%
38 $7,201 $3,106 41.2%
39 $22,226 $19,658 23.6% 79.3%
40 $12,310 $2,710 44.0%
41 $38,222 $42,950 52.7% 80.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between New College at $4,536 and private schools?

New College of Florida benefits from state funding as a public institution, while private colleges like Barry University charge $22,978 net after aid. Public universities receive taxpayer support that keeps costs down for in-state students. The $27,000+ gap between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects this fundamental funding difference.

How do Liberal Arts earnings compare across different Florida regions?

Tampa's University of South Florida graduates earn $39,774 annually, the highest in the state for this major. Miami-area schools like Florida International University produce $34,230 earners, while Tallahassee's Florida State University graduates start at $21,508. Regional job markets and industry concentration drive these $18,000+ earning differences.

Is the low graduation rate at some private schools a concern for value?

Bethune-Cookman University graduates only 27.8% of Liberal Arts students despite charging $14,892 annually. Barry University's 36.6% rate raises questions about return on investment at $22,978 net cost. Students should weigh completion rates heavily when comparing value propositions.

Does student debt vary significantly among Florida Liberal Arts programs?

Debt levels range from $13,856 at University of Central Florida to $38,125 at Barry University. Public universities generally produce lower debt burdens, with UCF and New College under $16,000. Private institutions often saddle graduates with debt exceeding $30,000, potentially offsetting higher sticker prices.

Where do acceptance rates suggest the most competitive Liberal Arts programs?

Florida State University accepts just 25.04% of applicants, making it the most selective program despite lower starting salaries. University of Central Florida admits 41.04% while delivering strong $38,289 earnings. Most programs accept over 70% of applicants, suggesting accessibility for qualified students.

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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.