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Best Nursing Schools in Florida: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

March 21, 2026

Explore Florida's top nursing programs across 20 universities and colleges. Compare tuition costs ($2,474–$59,926/yr), acceptance rates, and graduate earnings to find your ideal nursing school.

Overview of Nursing Education in Florida

Florida's nursing education landscape offers prospective students exceptional diversity—from ultra-affordable community college pathways to prestigious research universities. With 20 accredited nursing programs statewide, Florida provides multiple entry points for students pursuing nursing degrees, whether you're seeking an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or advanced graduate credentials.

The state's nursing programs range dramatically in cost and selectivity. In-state tuition spans from $2,474 annually at Valencia College to $59,926 at University of Miami. This variation reflects different institutional types and program structures, giving prospective students genuine flexibility based on budget, academic preparation, and career goals.

Florida's nursing graduates command competitive salaries. Entry-level nurses with Bachelor's degrees earn between $61,776–$93,751 annually, while advanced degree holders (Master's and Doctoral) earn $102,429–$199,442 yearly. These figures reflect Florida's strong healthcare market and growing demand for qualified nursing professionals.

Top University Nursing Programs in Florida

Research-Intensive Universities

University of Florida (Gainesville) stands as Florida's most selective nursing program, with a 24.0% acceptance rate and an exceptional 90.7% graduation rate. In-state tuition is $6,381 annually. UF's nursing graduates earn $107,154 with a First Professional Degree, and the university's research opportunities and clinical partnerships make it ideal for students pursuing advanced practice roles or academic careers.

Florida State University (Tallahassee) admits 25.4% of applicants and maintains an 83.9% graduation rate. At $5,656/year in-state tuition, FSU offers strong value for selective admissions. Doctoral degree graduates earn $102,429 annually, reflecting the program's emphasis on advanced clinical and research training.

University of Miami (Coral Gables) is Florida's most prestigious private nursing program, with an 18.5% acceptance rate and 84.2% graduation rate. However, expect significant costs: $59,926/year in-state tuition. The investment pays dividends—nursing graduates with Doctoral degrees earn $183,575 annually, the second-highest in Florida. UM's location in Miami's robust healthcare ecosystem provides exceptional clinical experiences.

Large Public Universities with Strong Nursing Programs

University of Central Florida (Orlando) enrolls 59,095 students and admits 39.5% of nursing applicants. In-state tuition is $6,368/year with a 75.4% graduation rate. Master's degree graduates earn $105,950 annually. UCF's size provides extensive clinical partnerships across Central Florida's growing healthcare market.

Florida International University (Miami) accepts 58.8% of applicants with $6,565/year in-state tuition and a 71.3% graduation rate. FIU stands out for exceptional graduate earnings: Master's degree holders earn $162,730 annually—the highest among Florida's public universities. This reflects the program's strong emphasis on advanced practice nursing and Miami's high cost-of-living economy.

University of South Florida (Tampa) admits 41.0% of applicants, charges $6,410/year in-state tuition, and maintains a 74.4% graduation rate. Doctoral degree graduates earn $120,368 annually. USF's Tampa location provides access to one of Florida's largest healthcare markets and major medical centers.

Regional Universities

Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton) offers the most accessible admissions among four-year universities, accepting 73.4% of applicants. In-state tuition is just $4,879/year with a 63.2% graduation rate. Graduate Certificate holders earn $111,689 annually. FAU's high acceptance rate makes it an excellent safety school for nursing applicants.

University of North Florida (Jacksonville) accepts 62.3% of applicants with $6,389/year in-state tuition and a 68.0% graduation rate. Doctoral degree graduates earn $156,046 annually—the third-highest in Florida. UNF's Jacksonville location offers strong clinical partnerships with major regional health systems.

Florida Gulf Coast University (Fort Myers) accepts 76.8% of applicants with the lowest tuition among selective universities at $6,118/year and a 57.3% graduation rate. Despite lower selectivity, FGCU's nursing graduates earn the highest salaries in Florida: $199,442 annually with a Master's degree. This exceptional earning potential reflects the program's focus on advanced practice nursing and Fort Myers' growing healthcare demand.

Community College and Lower-Cost Nursing Programs

Florida's community colleges and lower-cost universities provide the most affordable pathway to nursing credentials, with tuition ranging from $2,474–$3,227 annually.

Valencia College (Orlando) charges just $2,474/year with a 44.2% graduation rate. Bachelor's degree graduates earn $93,751 annually—competitive with four-year university graduates. Valencia's affordability and location in Florida's largest metro area make it an excellent starting point for nursing education.

Miami Dade College (Miami) costs $2,838/year with a 44.6% graduation rate. Bachelor's graduates earn $90,158 annually. MDC's size (35,001 students) and Miami location provide extensive clinical partnerships and networking opportunities.

Broward College (Fort Lauderdale) charges $2,830/year with a 35.4% graduation rate. Bachelor's graduates earn $82,157 annually. Broward's Fort Lauderdale location provides access to South Florida's major medical centers.

Hillsborough Community College (Tampa) offers the absolute lowest tuition at $2,506/year but focuses on Associate's degrees, with graduates earning $61,776 annually. This is ideal for students seeking the quickest, most affordable entry into nursing practice before pursuing BSN completion.

Santa Fe College (Gainesville) charges $2,563/year with an impressive 51.3% graduation rate—the highest among community colleges. Bachelor's graduates earn $80,242 annually. Santa Fe's high graduation rate suggests strong student support and program quality despite low cost.

Other Affordable Options:

Palm Beach State College: $3,050/year
Seminole State College: $3,227/year
Indian River State College: $2,764/year
St. Petersburg College: $2,682/year
Florida State College at Jacksonville: $2,878/year

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Consider Your Budget and Timeline

Community colleges ($2,474–$3,227/year) suit students prioritizing affordability and flexibility. Many offer evening/weekend classes for working adults. Expect 3–4 years for ADN completion, then pursue BSN completion at a university.

Public universities ($4,879–$6,565/year) balance cost and prestige. Most offer 4-year BSN programs with strong clinical partnerships and research opportunities.

Private universities ($24,136–$59,926/year) suit students prioritizing prestige, research opportunities, or specific program strengths (like UM's advanced practice focus). Consider whether higher earnings justify the cost difference.

Evaluate Selectivity and Graduation Rates

Highly selective programs (18–25% acceptance): University of Miami, University of Florida, and Florida State University. These programs are competitive but offer exceptional resources and networking.

Moderately selective (39–62% acceptance): UCF, USF, UNF, and FIU. These balance competitiveness with accessibility.

Open admission (73–97% acceptance): FAU and Keiser University. Ideal for students with lower GPAs or test scores seeking nursing education without barriers.

Graduation rates matter: UF's 90.7% rate indicates strong student support and program quality. Conversely, Hillsborough's 33.2% rate suggests higher attrition—investigate why before enrolling.

Location and Clinical Partnerships

Florida's geography matters. Miami programs access South Florida's extensive healthcare system. Tampa/Orlando programs serve central Florida's booming healthcare market. Jacksonville programs connect to northeast Florida's growing medical centers. Choose a location with strong hospitals and health systems matching your career interests.

Graduate Earnings and Specialization

Highest earning programs:

Florida Gulf Coast University: $199,442 (Master's)
University of Miami: $183,575 (Doctoral)
FIU: $162,730 (Master's)

These higher earnings often reflect advanced degree requirements or specialization in high-demand areas like nurse anesthesia or nurse practitioner programs. Consider whether pursuing advanced degrees aligns with your career timeline and financial goals.

Florida's Nursing Job Market

Florida's healthcare sector is booming. The state's aging population (highest percentage of residents 65+) drives massive demand for nursing professionals. Major healthcare systems like UF Health, Tampa General, Cleveland Clinic Florida, and Baptist Health employ thousands of nurses.

Expected salary progression:

Entry-level RN (BSN): $61,776–$93,751/year
Experienced RN (5+ years): $95,000–$120,000/year
Advanced practice (MSN/DNP): $102,429–$199,442/year

High-demand specializations: Critical care, emergency nursing, oncology, and advanced practice roles (nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist) command premium salaries and abundant job opportunities.

Florida's nursing shortage means most graduates secure employment before graduation. However, competition for prestigious positions at top medical centers remains fierce—program reputation and clinical experience matter.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Florida

Federal Aid

All Florida nursing students qualify for federal student loans, grants (Pell Grants up to $7,395/year), and work-study. Complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov to access these funds.

State-Specific Programs

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG): Up to $3,000/year for eligible undergraduates
Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness: Florida offers loan forgiveness programs for nurses working in underserved areas
Workforce Education Grant: Community college students may qualify for tuition assistance

Institutional Aid

Most universities offer nursing scholarships. UCF, USF, and UF offer merit scholarships for high-achieving applicants. Community colleges often have smaller scholarship pools but less competition.

Private Scholarships

National League for Nursing (NLN) Scholarships
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Scholarships
State-specific nursing association awards

Work-Study and Employment

Many community colleges and universities employ nursing students as patient care technicians or nursing assistants, providing income while building clinical experience.

Comparing Costs: Real Examples

Budget-conscious pathway: Valencia College ADN ($2,474/year × 2 years = $4,948) + USF BSN completion ($6,410/year × 2 years = $12,820) = $17,768 total for a bachelor's degree from a top-tier university.

Direct BSN route: UCF ($6,368/year × 4 years) = $25,472 total with immediate bachelor's credential and stronger starting salary.

Premium investment: University of Miami ($59,926/year × 4 years) = $239,704 total, but graduates earn $183,575 annually—recouping costs within 2 years of advanced practice roles.

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

Ready to explore Florida nursing programs in detail? Visit GradeToGrad's nursing school search tool to:

Filter programs by tuition, acceptance rate, and graduation rate
Compare side-by-side data for multiple schools
Read student reviews and program-specific insights
Access application deadlines and contact information
Calculate true cost of attendance including financial aid

Take time to visit campuses, speak with current nursing students, and evaluate clinical partnership quality. Your choice of nursing school shapes not just your education, but your career trajectory and earning potential for decades to come.

Florida's nursing programs offer genuine pathways for every student—whether you're seeking affordable community college options or prestigious research universities. Start your comparison today and take the first step toward a rewarding nursing career.