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2023 Best Nursing Schools in Florida

47 Schools Ranked
$39,356 Average Earnings
$21,860 Avg Student Debt

With all the nursing programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Nursing Degree Search has created the Best Nursing Schools in Florida to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 47 schools in Florida to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for nursing students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Schools in Florida

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
$51,332 Average Earnings
$18,875 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found University of Florida to be the best school for nursing students in Florida.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,875 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $207 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UF graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,332 during the early year of their career.

Full University of Florida Report

$41,940 Average Earnings
$30,604 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Rasmussen University - Florida. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Nursing Schools in Florida list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,604 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $127, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Rasmussen University - Florida graduates make an average of $41,940 annually.

Full Rasmussen University - Florida Report

$45,747 Average Earnings
$24,223 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of South Florida - Main Campus. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Florida list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,223 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $177, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, USF Tampa graduates make an average of $45,747 annually.

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#4

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, Florida
$44,563 Average Earnings
$21,077 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of North Florida. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Florida list.

On average, students take out $21,077 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $134. During the early years of their career, UNF graduates make an average of $44,563 annually.

Full University of North Florida Report

#5

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida
$45,957 Average Earnings
$17,771 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at University of Miami helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Florida.

On average, students take out $17,771 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $530, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, U Miami graduates make an average of $45,957 annually.

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#6

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
$44,027 Average Earnings
$20,926 Avg Student Debt

Florida State University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Florida ranking.

On average, students take out $20,926 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $171.After graduating from Florida State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,027 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Florida State University

#7

Polk State College

Winter Haven, Florida
$40,275 Average Earnings
$17,299 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Polk State College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working.

On average, students take out $17,299 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Polk State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,275 during the early years of their career.

Full Polk State College Report

#8

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, Florida
$43,420 Average Earnings
$21,324 Avg Student Debt

Florida Gulf Coast University ranked #8 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Florida list.

Degree recipients from FGCU accumulate an average of $21,324 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $201, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from FGCU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,420 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Florida Gulf Coast University

$47,774 Average Earnings
$23,098 Avg Student Debt

Florida International University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs.

Degree recipients from FIU accumulate an average of $23,098 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $93. During the early years of their career, FIU graduates make an average of $47,774 annually.

Read full report on Florida International University

#10

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida
$44,595 Average Earnings
$22,607 Avg Student Debt

University of Central Florida did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #10 on the list.

Degree recipients from UCF accumulate an average of $22,607 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $211, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UCF graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,595 during the early year of their career.

Full University of Central Florida Report

$46,325 Average Earnings
$18,641 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working.

On average, students take out $18,641 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota graduates make an average of $46,325 annually.

Read full report on State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota

#12

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
$61,266 Average Earnings
$27,779 Avg Student Debt

Nova Southeastern University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Florida list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,779 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $405, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from NUS Florida, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,266 during the early years of their career.

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#13

Miami Dade College

Miami, Florida
$37,255 Average Earnings
$16,593 Avg Student Debt

Miami Dade College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Florida ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,593 in student loans. During the early years of their career, MDC graduates make an average of $37,255 annually.

Full Miami Dade College Report

#14

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, Florida
$47,551 Average Earnings
$28,388 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Jacksonville University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,388 in student loans. During the early years of their career, JU graduates make an average of $47,551 annually.

Full Jacksonville University Report

#15

Valencia College

Orlando, Florida
$37,350 Average Earnings
$18,372 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Valencia College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,372 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $83. Once they receive their degree, Valencia College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,350 during the early year of their career.

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#16

North Florida College

Madison, Florida
$40,855 Average Earnings
$12,993 Avg Student Debt

North Florida College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Florida list.

Degree recipients from NFC accumulate an average of $12,993 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from NFC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,855 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on North Florida College

#17

Florida SouthWestern State College

Fort Myers, Florida
$48,021 Average Earnings
$17,143 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Florida SouthWestern State College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,143 in student loans.After graduating from FSW, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,021 during the early years of their career.

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#18

Palm Beach Atlantic University

West Palm Beach, Florida
$38,754 Average Earnings
$28,442 Avg Student Debt

Palm Beach Atlantic University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Florida ranking.

Degree recipients from Palm Beach Atlantic accumulate an average of $28,442 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $311. Once they receive their degree, Palm Beach Atlantic graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,754 during the early year of their career.

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#19

Santa Fe College

Gainesville, Florida
$39,905 Average Earnings
$21,007 Avg Student Debt

Santa Fe College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Florida list.

On average, students take out $21,007 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $108 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Santa Fe College graduates make an average of $39,905 annually.

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#20

Broward College

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
$42,319 Average Earnings
$15,086 Avg Student Debt

Broward College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Florida list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,086 in student loans. During the early years of their career, BC graduates make an average of $42,319 annually.

Read More…

#21

Florida Southern College

Lakeland, Florida
$45,102 Average Earnings
$22,777 Avg Student Debt

Florida Southern College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,777 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $469, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Florida Southern graduates make an average of $45,102 annually.

Read full report on Florida Southern College

#22

The University of West Florida

Pensacola, Florida
$41,369 Average Earnings
$21,275 Avg Student Debt

The University of West Florida came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Florida ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,275 in student loans. During the early years of their career, UWF graduates make an average of $41,369 annually.

Read full report on The University of West Florida

#23

Florida Gateway College

Lake City, Florida
$35,950 Average Earnings
$10,896 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Florida Gateway College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working.

On average, students take out $10,896 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, FGC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,950 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#24

Chipola College

Marianna, Florida
$40,619 Average Earnings
$11,601 Avg Student Debt

Chipola College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Florida ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,601 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Chipola graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,619 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#25

Palm Beach State College

Lake Worth, Florida
$36,671 Average Earnings
$14,679 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Palm Beach State College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working.

Degree recipients from Palm Beach State College accumulate an average of $14,679 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Palm Beach State College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,671 during the early years of their career.

Full Palm Beach State College Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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