Best Value Social Work Colleges in Florida

Florida Atlantic University delivers the state's most affordable social work education at just $8,001 annually, while Florida Gulf Coast University graduates earn $35,823 within six years of completion. This $6,682 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-earning programs reflects Florida's varied social work market, from rural community services to urban hospital systems. The state's growing elderly population creates consistent demand for social workers in healthcare settings, particularly as Medicare Advantage plans expand across Florida's metropolitan areas. Public universities dominate the value equation, with eight of nine state schools charging under $11,000 per year.

Programs

$8,001 – $30,209

Net Price Range

$31,159

Avg. Program Earnings

57.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, Florida	$8,001	$33,077	$4,879	64.3%	81.3%
2	University of West Florida Pensacola, Florida	$8,155	$29,443	$6,360	61.8%	48.0%
3	Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, Florida	$10,319	$35,823	$6,118	56.0%	74.4%
4	Florida International University Miami, Florida	$9,133	$30,305	$6,565	73.9%	63.9%
5	University of South Florida Tampa, Florida	$10,043	$31,828	$6,410	74.6%	43.9%
6	University of North Florida Jacksonville, Florida	$10,353	$30,771	$6,389	68.2%	70.5%
7	University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida	$10,650	$29,141	$6,368	75.1%	41.0%
8	Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida	$10,997	$29,685	$5,656	83.0%	25.0%
9	Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, Florida	$15,847	$31,042	$5,785	51.9%	32.9%
10	Saint Leo University Saint Leo, Florida	$18,467	$30,475	$28,360	48.8%	80.1%
11	Barry University Miami, Florida	$22,978		$33,450	36.6%	59.6%
12	Florida Memorial University Miami Gardens, Florida	$18,675		$19,110	30.2%	69.9%
13	Southeastern University Lakeland, Florida	$30,209		$31,732	43.3%	60.9%
14	Warner University Lake Wales, Florida	$21,007		$28,160	34.9%	55.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Florida Gulf Coast University stand out for social work earnings?

FGCU graduates earn $35,823 annually, the highest among Florida's social work programs. This premium likely reflects the school's connections to Lee County's healthcare sector and proximity to retirement communities requiring geriatric social services.

How do private schools compare to public options for debt load?

Private school graduates carry significantly more debt, with Barry University students owing $29,375 compared to just $13,716 at University of North Florida. Public schools offer better debt-to-earnings ratios across the board.

Does Florida State University justify its higher selectivity for social work?

FSU accepts only 25.04% of applicants but produces an 83.00% graduation rate, the highest in the state. However, graduates earn just $29,685 annually, below several less selective programs.

Where do Florida social work graduates find the lowest debt burden?

University of North Florida offers the best debt outcome at $13,716, while University of West Florida follows at $14,192. Both schools provide strong value with graduation rates above 60%.

More Social Work Rankings

Cheapest Social Work in Florida Social Work Under $20,000 in Florida

All Social Work Programs Best Colleges in Florida Best Social Work in Florida

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