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Ave Maria University stands out among Florida's Catholic colleges with its selective 44.21% acceptance rate, drawing 1,229 students to its campus in southwestern Florida. The state's seven Catholic institutions show remarkable variation in outcomes, from Saint Leo University's affordable $18,467 net price serving nearly 7,000 students to Barry University graduates earning $55,966 annually. St. John Vianney College Seminary achieves a perfect 100% graduation rate with just 18 students, highlighting the specialized nature of seminary education. These schools benefit from Florida's tax-free environment and Bright Futures scholarship program, positioning graduates well for the state's growing healthcare and aerospace sectors. The $6,000 difference between the lowest and highest net costs reflects varying institutional priorities, while graduation rates spanning from 36.6% to 100% demonstrate the varied missions these Catholic institutions serve across Florida's educational terrain.
7
Schools
$22,344
Avg. Net Price
$52,031
Avg. Earnings
56.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Catholic Colleges in Florida

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 1,229 $23,655 55.5% 44.2%
2 2,245 $22,978 36.6% 59.6%
3 1,963 $24,275 43.4% 65.2%
4 6,999 $18,467 48.8% 80.1%
5 18 100.0% 100.0%
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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ave Maria University different from other Florida Catholic colleges?

Ave Maria University maintains the most selective admissions among Florida's Catholic colleges at 44.21% acceptance, compared to others ranging from 59% to 100%. With 1,229 students, it balances small college intimacy with rigorous academic standards, making it the most competitive Catholic option in the state.

How do graduation rates vary among Florida's Catholic colleges?

Graduation rates span dramatically from Barry University's 36.6% to St. John Vianney Seminary's perfect 100%. Saint Leo University achieves 48.8% with nearly 7,000 students, while Ave Maria reaches 55.5%. Seminary programs typically show higher completion rates due to their specialized, vocational focus.

Is Saint Leo University a good value among Catholic colleges in Florida?

Saint Leo offers the lowest net price at $18,467 while serving 6,999 students, making it the most affordable Catholic option. Though graduates earn $48,364 annually, the combination of low cost and large enrollment provides accessible Catholic education with reasonable career outcomes.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Florida Catholic colleges?

Barry University graduates lead in earnings at $55,966 annually, followed by St. Thomas University at $54,272. These figures exceed Florida's median income, reflecting strong career preparation. The state's growing healthcare and aerospace industries provide ample opportunities for Catholic college graduates.

Where are Florida's Catholic colleges concentrated geographically?

South Florida dominates with three institutions in the Miami area: Barry University, St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, and St. John Vianney Seminary. Central Florida houses Saint Leo University, while Southwest Florida features Ave Maria University and Ave Maria School of Law in Naples area.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.