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Florida's public universities deliver strong value for accounting students, with the University of Florida ranking among the nation's most affordable options at just $6,351 net cost while maintaining a 91.50% graduation rate. The $46,000+ earnings gap between the lowest and highest-paying programs reveals significant variation in career outcomes across the state's 20 accounting programs. Indian River State College offers the most accessible entry point at $5,202 net cost, while Florida State University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $51,880 annually. The state's tourism and aerospace sectors create steady demand for accounting professionals, particularly in areas like hospitality financial management and government contracting. Florida's lack of state income tax means accounting graduates retain more of their earnings compared to other states, making even modest starting salaries more competitive. Community colleges like Daytona State and Santa Fe provide affordable pathways into the field, with transfer agreements to four-year programs helping students minimize debt while building credentials.
38
Programs
$5,202 – $36,803
Net Price Range
$45,232
Avg. Program Earnings
54.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
2 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
3 $7,201 $3,106 41.2%
4 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
5 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
6 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
7 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
8 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
9 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
10 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
11 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
12 $11,154 $2,563 52.1%
13 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
14 $15,847 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
15 $17,518 $13,920
16 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
17 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
18 $19,113 $15,117 51.0%
19 $19,758 $13,420 45.5% 94.3%
20 $21,318 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
21 $22,602 $15,580 22.4%
22 $22,978 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
23 $23,629 $16,088 28.1%
24 $23,655 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
25 $24,026 $14,742 49.7%
26 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
27 $25,374 $12,240 92.0%
28 $26,255 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
29 $29,664 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
30 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
31 $29,951 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
32 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
33 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
34 $32,751 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
35 $34,439 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
36 $35,300 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
37 $35,634 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
38 $36,803 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Florida's accounting program such good value?

UF combines a low $6,351 net cost with strong outcomes including a 91.50% graduation rate and $49,644 median earnings. The program accepts only 23.35% of applicants, creating a competitive environment that drives strong employment outcomes. Graduates typically carry just $17,750 in debt, well below national averages for business programs.

How much can starting salaries vary between Florida accounting programs?

Median earnings range from $33,281 at University of West Florida to $51,880 at Florida State University, creating an $18,599 gap between programs. Most public universities produce graduates earning between $42,000 and $49,000 annually. Private institutions like Bethune-Cookman show lower outcomes at $40,485 despite higher costs.

Is community college a smart path for accounting students?

Santa Fe College and Daytona State College offer excellent value with graduation rates above 40% and net costs under $12,000. Santa Fe's location in Gainesville provides easy transfer access to UF's top-ranked program. These schools help students complete prerequisites affordably before transferring to complete their bachelor's degree.

Does Florida's job market support accounting graduates?

Florida's tourism industry creates steady demand for hospitality accounting specialists, while aerospace companies like SpaceX need cost accountants and financial analysts. The state's lack of income tax makes take-home pay more competitive than similar salaries elsewhere. Healthcare systems and government contracts also provide stable accounting opportunities across major metro areas.

What debt levels should accounting students expect?

Public university graduates typically carry $15,000 to $19,000 in debt, with Florida Gulf Coast showing the lowest burden at $15,000. Private institutions create much higher debt loads, with Strayer University students averaging $41,625. State schools consistently deliver better debt-to-earnings ratios for accounting majors.

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