Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024

Badge for BEST IN FLORIDA GRADUATE SCHOOLS

The best grad schools in Florida offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking. Grad school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession.

10 Best Grad Schools in Florida

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  1. University of Florida
  2. University of Miami
  3. Florida State University
  4. University of Central Florida
  5. University of South Florida
  6. Florida International University
  7. Florida Atlantic University
  8. Florida Institute of Technology
  9. Florida A&M University
  10. Nova Southeastern University
  1. University of Florida
  2. University of Miami
  3. Florida State University
  4. University of South Florida
  5. Florida International University
  6. University of Central Florida
  7. Florida Atlantic University
  8. Rollins College
  9. Florida A&M University
  10. Nova Southeastern University
  1. Keiser University 96%
  2. Nova Southeastern University 93%
  3. Florida Gulf Coast University 89%
  4. Lynn University 83%
  5. Florida Atlantic University 78%
  6. University of North Florida 77%
  7. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach 72%
  8. Saint Leo University 71%
  9. St. Thomas University 71%
  10. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 70%
  1. University of Central Florida 31 to 1
  2. Southeastern University 28 to 1
  3. Florida International University 25 to 1
  4. University of South Florida 22 to 1
  5. Florida Atlantic University 22 to 1
  6. Florida Gulf Coast University 22 to 1
  7. Florida State University 21 to 1
  8. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 20 to 1
  9. University of West Florida 20 to 1
  10. University of North Florida 19 to 1
  1. University of Miami $54,760
  2. Rollins College $54,740
  3. Florida Institute of Technology $43,246
  4. Lynn University $40,900
  5. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach $39,066
  6. Florida Southern College $38,980
  7. Nova Southeastern University $34,570
  8. St. Thomas University $32,940
  9. Barry University $31,540
  10. Southeastern University $28,320
  1. University of Miami $39,834
  2. Keiser University $29,632
  3. Rollins College $26,190
  4. Florida Institute of Technology $22,338
  5. Nova Southeastern University $21,153
  6. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach $18,756
  7. Barry University $17,820
  8. Florida Southern College $17,232
  9. Saint Leo University $15,218
  10. St. Thomas University $14,400
  1. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
  2. Southeastern University
  3. Lynn University
  4. St. Thomas University
  5. Saint Leo University
  6. Florida Gulf Coast University
  7. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
  8. Keiser University
  9. Florida Southern College
  10. University of West Florida
  1. Southeastern University
  2. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
  3. St. Thomas University
  4. Lynn University
  5. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
  6. Keiser University
  7. Florida Gulf Coast University
  8. Saint Leo University
  9. University of West Florida
  10. Florida Southern College
  1. University of Miami 28%
  2. University of Florida 30%
  3. Florida A&M University 35%
  4. University of Central Florida 36%
  5. Florida State University 37%
  6. Southeastern University 45%
  7. Rollins College 49%
  8. University of South Florida 49%
  9. University of West Florida 53%
  10. Florida Southern College 61%
  1. St. Thomas University 11 to 1
  2. University of Miami 12 to 1
  3. Rollins College 12 to 1
  4. Florida A&M University 14 to 1
  5. Florida Southern College 14 to 1
  6. Florida Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  7. Barry University 15 to 1
  8. Keiser University 15 to 1
  9. University of Florida 17 to 1
  10. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  1. Florida Atlantic University $2,522
  2. Florida A&M University $3,152
  3. University of West Florida $3,735
  4. University of North Florida $3,996
  5. Florida Gulf Coast University $4,191
  6. University of Florida $4,477
  7. University of Central Florida $4,478
  8. University of South Florida $4,559
  9. Florida State University $4,640
  10. Florida International University $4,721
  1. Florida Atlantic University $5,467
  2. University of Central Florida $6,916
  3. Florida Gulf Coast University $6,974
  4. University of West Florida $7,088
  5. Florida A&M University $8,019
  6. University of South Florida $8,350
  7. University of North Florida $8,570
  8. Florida International University $8,912
  9. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $8,916
  10. Florida State University $9,684

Key Takeaways

  • Florida has significantly improved in the education sector. Significant improvements have been made while Ron DeSantis has been governor of the state.
  • There are numerous options for top-rated grad schools in Florida. Using our rankings, you can find the perfect school for your needs, whether that be a large public university, a private college, a research university, or a small college. Students should also consider whether they want to attend school online or at a college campus.
  • Going to graduate school is challenging. But after you decide the path you wish to pursue, the personal and professional benefits you gain after graduation make the investment worth it.

Florida and Its Numerous Top-Rated Grad Schools

If you’re considering going to graduate school, you most likely have a clear idea of the benefits of additional education. With an advanced degree, you open more career options. Today, having a bachelor’s degree alone is often not enough to help you stand out in the job market. This is why pursuing a graduate degree is more important than ever.

In Florida, the higher education system consists of both private and public schools, including the State University System of Florida (SUSF). In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked Florida the third best state for education and was continuously improving literacy in younger students.

Why You Need to Enroll in a Graduate School

As you start scouting for graduate schools across Florida, you must first understand why you should consider enrolling in graduate studies program. Let’s dive into the major impacts a graduate school can have on your life—both personally and professionally.

Personal Benefits

You become a lifelong learner: As technology and culture are constantly progressing, you must take the relevant steps to keep up with new developments.

To become a lifelong learner, you need to constantly strive to master new skills, and going to graduate school is a perfect way to direct this pursuit of knowledge. Once you enroll in graduate studies, you will eventually become an expert in a specific field and be introduced to different opinions and viewpoints that may differ from yours. This type of exposure is an advantage to both personal and professional improvement.

Personal Accomplishment: Earning a graduate degree significantly boosts your confidence. When you can prove your ability and knowledge to complete what you’ve started with your degree, and demonstrate your dedication, understanding, skills, and knowledge.

Lifestyle Changes: A graduate degree increases earnings potential and expands your career options, which translates to more financial freedom.

Professional Benefits

Increased Salary: Someone with a graduate degree has greater earning potential than someone who only holds a bachelor’s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a master’s degree holder can take home $11,000 more annually than one with a bachelor’s degree. If you continue on to earn your doctorate, that’s roughly an additional $27,000 annual salary.

Career Advancement: Those looking for better career opportunities should start gaining more skills through a graduate program. This additional education gives you a better and more competitive edge over somebody with an equal amount of experience but less education under their belt.

Careerbuilder.com asserted that 33% of employers prefer workers with a master’s degree for positions previously taken by four-year degree holders.

Employment Opportunities: Many industries look for highly-educated professionals. While there are certainly jobs available for those with a bachelor’s degree, the fastest-growing careers usually require a graduate degree.

Networking: You will have many opportunities for networking in grad school. You will study and research alongside a group of students and work closely with your professors.

This will allow you to build relationships that will help you thrive in your field. You may also qualify for an apprenticeship or research opportunity, or better yet, find a post-graduate job waiting for you even before you complete your graduate studies.

Colleges and Universities in Florida

The state of Florida offers a wealth of options for students seeking both traditional and online degree programs. With more than 40 public and 50 private schools, prospective students can earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from an extremely wide variety of brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Florida.

Colleges in Florida are also uniquely affordable, with the state average tuition of $6,360 falling well under the national average. Among the most popular disciplines in Florida are anthropology, nursing, law, religious studies, and earth sciences. Many of these valuable degrees are available through online courses and fully online degree programs.

Indeed, nearly 40 colleges and universities in Florida offer online degrees. These online degree programs offer flexibility, convenience and accessibility. Make sure to choose an online degree program with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Among the largest colleges in Florida is Miami Dade College. This public college is home to over 165,000 students across eight campuses and 21 outreach centers as well as various excellent online degree programs. Miami Dade College also offers an extremely affordable in-state tuition of $3,000.

Students seeking a religious school can choose from 21 colleges and universities that are grounded in Judeo-Christian, Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, and Christian principles. Ranked as the top two schools, the University of Florida (UF) and Florida State University (FSU) both have large student populations, with just over 45,000 at UF and just under 39,000 as FSU. Both are also affordable, with tuition at $6,000 and $7,000, respectively.

At $50,000, the University of Miami is the most expensive private college in the state and has graduated influential people such as Gene Roddenberry, Sylvester Stallone, and Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Florida also offers its nursing students up to $4,000 in financial aid through their Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Coastal cities, sandy beaches, orange groves, and vibrant flowers - it’s no wonder Florida is called The Sunshine State. Home to the famous Everglades National Park and Disney World, Florida also boasts 90 higher education institutes.

With so many options for both traditional and online colleges in Florida, this state has a lot to offer higher education students. Check out Florida’s best degree programs and top career paths.


What are Florida’s Colleges & Universities?

Florida’s Best Overall


Florida's Best Grad Schools Badge
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There are 23 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Florida. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Florida is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Florida’s Best Graduate Schools

  1. #1

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    61K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $15,430
    Starting Salary: $65,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    University of Miami

    Coral Gables , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    28%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Miami

    Cost of Degree: $57,194
    Expenses: $21,826
    Starting Salary: $72,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,517
    Expenses: $18,124
    Starting Salary: $53,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    84K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,368
    Expenses: $17,668
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    60K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of South Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,410
    Expenses: $18,242
    Starting Salary: $48,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    75K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $6,565
    Expenses: $18,316
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $4,879
    Expenses: $19,974
    Starting Salary: $48,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #10

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $36,300
    Expenses: $20,570
    Starting Salary: $55,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Nova Southeastern University known for?

    Nova Southeastern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  9. #11

    Rollins College

    Winter Park , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rollins College

    Cost of Degree: $56,110
    Expenses: $19,200
    Starting Salary: $53,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #12

    University of North Florida

    Jacksonville , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Florida

    Cost of Degree: $5,964
    Expenses: $16,107
    Starting Salary: $49,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Florida known for?

    University of North Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. #15

    Florida Southern College

    Lakeland , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Southern College

    Cost of Degree: $40,500
    Expenses: $16,700
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida Southern College known for?

    Florida Southern College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. #16

    Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    34K

    Career Outlook for degree at Keiser University

    Cost of Degree: $23,248
    Expenses: $27,451
    Starting Salary: $35,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Keiser University known for?

    Keiser University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Gulf Coast University

    Cost of Degree: $6,118
    Expenses: $14,372
    Starting Salary: $45,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida Gulf Coast University known for?

    Florida Gulf Coast University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #19

    Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Leo University

    Cost of Degree: $27,050
    Expenses: $19,552
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Leo University known for?

    Saint Leo University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. #20

    St. Thomas University

    Miami Gardens , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1005/18

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Thomas University

    Cost of Degree: $33,760
    Expenses: $17,906
    Starting Salary: $60,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Thomas University known for?

    St. Thomas University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach

    Cost of Degree: $40,564
    Expenses: $19,408
    Starting Salary: $70,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach known for?

    Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Florida’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of Florida
  2. University of Miami
  3. Florida State University
  4. Nova Southeastern University
  5. University of South Florida
  6. Florida International University
  7. University of Central Florida
  8. Florida Institute of Technology
  9. Barry University
  10. Florida Atlantic University
  11. St. Thomas University
  12. Rollins College
  13. Florida A&M University
  14. University of West Florida
  15. Jacksonville University
  16. Lynn University
  17. Saint Leo University
  18. University of North Florida
  19. New College of Florida
  20. Stetson University
  21. Florida Southern College
  22. Ave Maria University
  23. Bethune–Cookman University
  24. Palm Beach Atlantic University
  25. Southeastern University
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