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Best Value Registered Nursing Colleges in Florida

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

St Petersburg College delivers the most striking value in Florida nursing education, with students actually receiving a net credit of $52 after financial aid covers all costs. This unique financing structure contrasts sharply with other state options that range up to $10,997 annually. Florida's aging population and massive healthcare infrastructure create steady demand for nursing professionals across specialties from bedside care to clinical research. The earnings data reveals significant variation, with Palm Beach State College graduates averaging $81,997 annually while Gulf Coast State College graduates start near $50,270. Florida's public community colleges dominate the value market, offering pathways into a field where the state employs over 200,000 registered nurses. The absence of state income tax means these salary figures represent true take-home potential, making even mid-range programs financially attractive for career changers and new graduates entering Florida's expanding healthcare sector.
50
Programs
$-52 – $38,218
Net Price Range
$64,324
Avg. Program Earnings
51.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $65,512 $2,682 37.5%
2 $2,760 $68,563 $2,878 32.4%
3 $2,339 $50,270 $2,370 44.8%
4 $5,202 $66,461 $2,764 42.5%
5 $4,702 $59,576 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
6 $5,154 $64,990 $3,155 42.9%
7 $5,554 $62,747 $3,246 42.9%
8 $6,351 $59,576 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
9 $7,201 $63,600 $3,106 41.2%
10 $9,832 $81,997 $3,050 41.2%
11 $8,001 $64,415 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
12 $8,249 $64,919 $3,401 38.5%
13 $9,027 $70,456 $3,366 34.0%
14 $8,155 $58,454 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
15 $9,133 $63,071 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
16 $10,043 $61,603 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
17 $10,319 $62,409 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
18 $10,353 $58,057 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
19 $10,650 $57,507 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
20 $10,997 $58,923 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
21 $12,310 $64,493 $2,710 44.0%
22 $14,892 $60,623 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
23 $20,077 $80,779 $2,830 36.1%
24 $19,113 $73,870 $15,117 51.0%
25 $15,847 $58,919 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
26 $20,494 $66,883 $18,238 21.4%
27 $19,758 $60,799 $13,420 45.5% 94.3%
28 $20,486 $60,799 $13,420 93.8%
29 $21,433 $60,252 $3,074 34.9%
30 $22,978 $64,174 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
31 $24,280 $66,883 $18,238 4.5%
32 $23,629 $63,318 $16,088 28.1%
33 $26,255 $66,857 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
34 $29,539 $71,315 $19,686 33.3% 90.0%
35 $38,218 $82,415 $23,691 50.0%
36 $31,303 $65,027 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
37 $29,664 $61,020 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
38 $34,439 $70,456 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
39 $31,885 $62,167 $20,880 35.6% 33.7%
40 $36,803 $65,621 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
41 $32,751 $54,996 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
42 $35,634 $56,825 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
43 $5,742 $3,292 44.7%
44 $23,655 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
45 $1,799 $3,054 63.5%
46 $28,535 20.8%
47 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
48 $29,598 $16,400 64.5%
49 $20,767 $12,720 61.3%
50 $29,461 $20,028 100.0% 47.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St Petersburg College's nursing program cost negative $52?

Federal and state financial aid packages exceed the total cost of attendance at St Petersburg College, creating a net credit of $52 for eligible students. This calculation includes tuition, fees, books, and living expenses minus all grants and scholarships. The college's low in-state tuition of $2,682 combined with Florida's Bright Futures program and federal Pell grants makes this unusual outcome possible. Graduates earn a median of $65,512, providing strong returns despite the minimal investment.

How do nursing salaries vary across Florida's regions?

Palm Beach State College graduates command the highest starting salaries at $81,997, reflecting South Florida's competitive healthcare market and higher cost of living. Gulf Coast State College in Panama City shows the lowest median at $50,270, typical of smaller markets in the Panhandle. The $31,727 salary gap between highest and lowest programs demonstrates how geographic location affects nursing compensation. Florida's no-income-tax policy means these gross salaries translate directly to take-home pay.

Is University of Florida worth the higher cost for nursing?

University of Florida charges $6,351 net cost with graduates earning $59,576, placing it in the middle range for both price and outcomes among Florida programs. The 91.5% graduation rate significantly exceeds community college completion rates that hover around 40%. Students pay roughly $6,000 more annually than many state college options but gain access to research opportunities and a more traditional university experience. The 23.35% acceptance rate makes admission highly competitive compared to open-access community colleges.

Does Florida offer good career prospects for nursing graduates?

Florida employs over 200,000 registered nurses across hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and long-term care settings, with demand growing as the population ages. Major healthcare systems like Baptist Health, AdventHealth, and Jackson Health System provide extensive employment opportunities throughout the state. The tourism industry creates additional nursing jobs in resort areas and cruise ship medical facilities. Specialty areas like aerospace medicine near Kennedy Space Center and marine research facilities offer unique career paths for nursing graduates with research interests.

Where do community colleges excel compared to universities for nursing education?

Florida's community colleges offer significantly lower net costs, with most programs under $10,000 annually compared to university options. Schools like Indian River State College produce graduates earning $66,461 with minimal debt of $7,250. Community college programs focus intensively on clinical skills and board exam preparation rather than broader liberal arts requirements. Many hospitals prefer hiring from local community college programs because graduates understand regional healthcare practices and often remain in the area long-term.

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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.