2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Florida
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Florida? We have ranked 336 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Nursing Degree Search reviewed 47 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Florida
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Valencia College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Nursing degree schools in Florida. Based in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, compared with $9,576 for out-of-state students. Valencia College Nursing students take on a median of $14,413 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,594. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Valencia College
Out of the 47 schools in Florida in this year's value ranking, Tallahassee Community College landed the #2 spot. Tallahassee Community College is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,026, with out-of-state students paying around $8,062. Graduates carry a median of $16,340 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,561 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Tallahassee Community College report
A rank of #3 makes Santa Fe College one of the best values in Florida. Set in Gainesville, FL, Santa Fe College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,563, compared with $9,189 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,558 to complete their Nursing program here. Santa Fe College alumni report median earnings of $41,631 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,558 median debt. See the full Santa Fe College profile
Out of the 47 schools in Florida in this year's value ranking, Miami Dade College landed the #4 spot. Based in Miami, FL, Miami Dade College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,838, while out-of-state students pay about $9,661. Miami Dade College Nursing students take on a median of $11,967 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,654. That is a strong return on a $11,967 median debt. Get the full Miami Dade College report
A rank of #5 makes Pensacola State College one of the best values in Florida. Based in Pensacola, FL, Pensacola State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,361, compared with $9,463 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,191. Median earnings reach $36,739 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Pensacola State College report
Gulf Coast State College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Panama City, FL, Gulf Coast State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,370, compared with $8,635 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,286 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,359. Set against $8,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Gulf Coast State College profile
Broward College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,830 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,952 for out-of-state students. Broward College Nursing students take on a median of $13,110 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,939. That is a strong return on a $13,110 median debt. Read more about Broward College
St Petersburg College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in St. Petersburg, FL, St Petersburg College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,682, compared with $9,286 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $24,385. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,557. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full St Petersburg College report
Florida State College At Jacksonville offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Jacksonville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $2,657, compared with $9,631 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $19,139. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,244. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Florida State College At Jacksonville profile
State College Of Florida Manatee Sarasota placed #10 among the best-value Nursing schools in Florida. State College Of Florida Manatee Sarasota is a public school based in Bradenton, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,074, while out-of-state students pay about $11,595. Graduates carry a median of $17,360 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,318 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,360 median debt. See the full State College Of Florida Manatee Sarasota profile
North Florida Community College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Madison, FL, North Florida Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,994, with out-of-state students paying around $11,460. Typical Nursing student debt is $7,902. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,929. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full North Florida Community College report
Polk State College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Polk State College is a public school based in Winter Haven, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,694, with out-of-state students paying around $9,818. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,806. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,624 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Polk State College
Indian River State College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,764 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,201. The median Nursing program debt is $10,492. Indian River State College alumni report median earnings of $38,315 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Read more about Indian River State College
College Of Central Florida placed #14 among the best-value Nursing schools in Florida. Located in Ocala, FL, College Of Central Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,710, compared with $10,517 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,934 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,203. That is a strong return on a $18,934 median debt. Get the full College Of Central Florida report
Florida Gateway College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Lake City, FL, Florida Gateway College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,747. The median Nursing program debt is $8,669. Florida Gateway College alumni report median earnings of $37,894 a decade after entry. Set against $8,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Florida Gateway College
Palm Beach State College landed the #16 spot for value in Florida this year. Set in Lake Worth, FL, Palm Beach State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,050 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,910. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,518. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,923 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Palm Beach State College report
Chipola College landed the #17 spot for value in Florida this year. Chipola College is a public school based in Marianna, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $8,950. Graduates carry a median of $9,097 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Chipola College report
Saint Johns River State College landed the #18 spot for value in Florida this year. Based in Palatka, FL, Saint Johns River State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,591, with out-of-state students paying around $9,334. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,293. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,728 ten years after entry. Set against $16,293 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Saint Johns River State College report
Edison State College landed the #19 spot for value in Florida this year. This public school is set in Fort Myers, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,401, compared with $12,979 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $13,356. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,421. Set against $13,356 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Edison State College
Daytona State College placed #20 among the best-value Nursing schools in Florida. Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Daytona State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,106, with out-of-state students paying around $11,994. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,227. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,096. Set against $14,227 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Daytona State College report
Seminole State College Of Florida ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,122, with out-of-state students paying around $11,447. The median Nursing program debt is $18,419. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,733. Set against $18,419 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Seminole State College Of Florida
Eastern Florida State College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Eastern Florida State College is a public school based in Melbourne, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,791, while out-of-state students pay about $10,976. Eastern Florida State College Nursing students take on a median of $18,123 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,195. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Eastern Florida State College
Pasco Hernando Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in New Port Richey, FL, Pasco Hernando Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,155, while out-of-state students pay about $12,032. Pasco Hernando Community College Nursing students take on a median of $14,908 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,903 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Pasco Hernando Community College
Northwest Florida State College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Niceville, FL, Northwest Florida State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,583, compared with $10,612 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,566 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,664 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,566 median debt. More on Northwest Florida State College
Lake Sumter Community College landed the #25 spot for value in Florida this year. Located in Leesburg, FL, Lake Sumter Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,292, while out-of-state students pay about $13,276. The median Nursing program debt is $10,786. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,876. Set against $10,786 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lake Sumter Community College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Florida
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Florida Keys Community College placed #26 among the best-value Nursing schools in Florida. Based in Key West, FL, Florida Keys Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,276, with out-of-state students paying around $13,162. Students borrow a median of $13,236 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,508. Set against $13,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Florida Keys Community College
South Florida State College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Avon Park, FL, South Florida State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,165, with out-of-state students paying around $11,859. Typical Nursing student debt is $8,204. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,990. That is a strong return on a $8,204 median debt. See the full South Florida State College profile
University Of Florida placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in Florida. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Florida profile
University Of North Florida landed the #29 spot for value in Florida this year. This public school is set in Jacksonville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,964, with out-of-state students paying around $19,407. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,523. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,343. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Florida has an acceptance rate of 53%. More on University Of North Florida
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $21,829. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Florida Gulf Coast University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Fort Myers, FL, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,118, with out-of-state students paying around $25,162. Students borrow a median of $20,015 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,560. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Florida Gulf Coast University report
University Of Central Florida placed #32 among the best-value Nursing schools in Florida. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,620 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,308. Set against $21,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Central Florida
The University Of West Florida ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. The University Of West Florida is a public school based in Pensacola, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $5,776, while out-of-state students pay about $18,658. Typical Nursing student debt is $19,677. Median earnings reach $49,137 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,677 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of West Florida
Florida Atlantic University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Florida Atlantic University Nursing students take on a median of $20,212 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,746. That is a strong return on a $20,212 median debt. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants. See the full Florida Atlantic University profile
Florida State University placed #35 among the best-value Nursing schools in Florida. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $20,488. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. See the full Florida State University profile
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,785 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,725. Graduates carry a median of $26,824 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,349 ten years after entry. Set against $26,824 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 21% of applicants are accepted. More on Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
Florida International University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read more about Florida International University
Rasmussen College Florida placed #38 among the best-value Nursing schools in Florida. Located in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,256. Graduates carry a median of $28,798 in student loans. Rasmussen College Florida alumni report median earnings of $39,080 a decade after entry. Set against $28,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rasmussen College Florida profile
Florida National University Main Campus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Hialeah, FL, Florida National University Main Campus is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,368. The median Nursing program debt is $27,884. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,928. That is a strong return on a $27,884 median debt. More on Florida National University Main Campus
Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach is a private not-for-profit school based in West Palm Beach, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,650. Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach Nursing students take on a median of $24,787 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,232. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach
The University Of Tampa offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Tampa, FL, The University Of Tampa is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,408 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,191 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $59,436 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,191 median debt. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Tampa
Jacksonville University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,150. Jacksonville University Nursing students take on a median of $25,619 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,010. Set against $25,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Jacksonville University
Florida Southern College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lakeland, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,040. Florida Southern College Nursing students take on a median of $25,357 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,294 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Southern College has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read more about Florida Southern College
Barry University landed the #44 spot for value in Florida this year. Located in Miami, FL, Barry University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,350. Typical Nursing student debt is $31,180. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,966 ten years after entry. Set against $31,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Barry University
Keiser University Ft Lauderdale landed the #45 spot for value in Florida this year. Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Keiser University Ft Lauderdale is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,056. Graduates carry a median of $36,416 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,696. That is a strong return on a $36,416 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Keiser University Ft Lauderdale
Nova Southeastern University placed #46 among the best-value Nursing schools in Florida. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,700. Students borrow a median of $25,021 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,209. That is a strong return on a $25,021 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Nova Southeastern University
University Of Miami came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit school based in Coral Gables, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,616. Graduates carry a median of $17,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,328. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Miami admits about 19% of applicants. Read more about University Of Miami
Bradford Union Technical Center came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. More on Bradford Union Technical Center
Flagler Technical Institute placed #49 among the best-value Nursing schools in Florida. Read more about Flagler Technical Institute
Orange Technical College Mid Florida Campus landed the #50 spot for value in Florida this year. Read the full report on Orange Technical College Mid Florida Campus
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 47 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 336 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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