Cheapest Ecology Colleges in Florida

University of West Florida delivers the state's most affordable ecology program at $8,155 net cost, while private institutions like University of Miami charge over $36,000 despite producing lower earnings of $19,592. This four-fold cost difference reflects Florida's sharp divide between accessible public education and expensive private alternatives. The state's unique position as a biodiversity hotspot with Everglades ecosystems, coastal marine environments, and subtropical forests creates natural laboratories for ecology students. Florida's lack of state income tax means graduates earning the typical $20,000-$28,000 range keep more of their paychecks compared to other states.

Programs

$8,155 – $36,803

Net Price Range

$23,327

Avg. Program Earnings

65.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of West Florida Pensacola, Florida	$8,155	$6,360	61.8%	48.0%
2	Florida International University Miami, Florida	$9,133	$6,565	73.9%	63.9%
3	Saint Leo University Saint Leo, Florida	$18,467	$28,360	48.8%	80.1%
4	Stetson University DeLand, Florida	$21,318	$55,220	62.8%	93.8%
5	Ave Maria University Ave Maria, Florida	$23,655	$28,222	55.5%	44.2%
6	Jacksonville University Jacksonville, Florida	$26,255	$46,180	57.0%	57.7%
7	Florida Southern College Lakeland, Florida	$29,664	$42,360	69.3%	56.6%
8	Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, Florida	$31,303	$37,080	64.3%	75.8%
9	Eckerd College Saint Petersburg, Florida	$33,011	$50,374	67.6%	65.1%
10	Rollins College Winter Park, Florida	$33,847	$58,300	76.9%	50.0%
11	Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, Florida	$35,300	$44,360	65.5%	64.4%
12	The University of Tampa Tampa, Florida	$35,634	$33,424	61.9%	26.4%
13	University of Miami Coral Gables, Florida	$36,803	$59,926	84.2%	18.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Florida's cheapest and most expensive ecology programs?

Public universities like University of West Florida charge $8,155 net cost compared to $36,803 at private University of Miami. In-state tuition at UWF runs just $6,360 annually while Miami charges nearly $60,000, creating a $50,000+ yearly gap.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive ecology programs?

University of Miami leads with 84.20% graduation rates despite high costs, while budget option University of West Florida graduates 61.80% of students. Mid-priced Florida International University achieves 73.90% graduation rates at just $9,133 net cost.

Is the job market strong for ecology graduates in Florida?

Florida's tourism industry, coastal management needs, and Everglades restoration projects create steady demand for ecology professionals. The state's lack of income tax means graduates earning $20,000-$28,000 take home more compared to other states with similar programs.

What acceptance rates should ecology students expect at Florida schools?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from University of Tampa's selective 26.35% to Stetson University's open 93.80%. Most programs accept 50-75% of applicants, with University of West Florida at 48.03% and Florida International University at 63.86%.

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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.