University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, Florida · Public · 61.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 91/100 · Exceptional Value
University of Florida-Online earns an ROI score of 91 -- Exceptional Value -- and the numbers back it up. In-state tuition of $3,876 and a net price of just $4,815 make this one of the cheapest bachelor's degree paths in the country. The 84.7% completion rate is strong for an online program. Median 6-year earnings of $47,700 and 10-year earnings of $71,588 are well above average. The payback period of 4.4 years and debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 put this program in the top tier for online public education. Computer and Information Sciences graduates earn $90,651 in year one. Registered Nursing graduates earn $73,711. The earnings premium score of 100 out of 100 reflects graduates earning nearly twice the national median. This is UF's fully online degree program for Florida residents, and for the right student it's an exceptional deal.
University of Florida-Online scores in the top 10% of all schools we track, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
University of Florida-Online
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $3,876/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $16,579/yr |
| Average net price | $4,815/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $19,260 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,588 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $47,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $15,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $159 |
| Estimated payback period | 4.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 84.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 4,627 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Florida-Online is $3,876/year ($16,579/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $4,815/year, or roughly $19,260 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $1,477/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $12,923/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $15,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $159 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $71,588 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.31 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,477 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,286 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,171 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,947 |
| $110,001+ | $12,923 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $1,477 per year at UF Online. This is genuinely exceptional. For low-income Florida residents, this is close to free. Four-year total cost of under $6,000 with strong completion rates and high earnings is one of the best financial propositions in American higher education. Pell Grants alone can effectively cover the full cost.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 30k-48k bracket pays $2,286 per year -- still extremely low. The 48k-75k bracket rises to $5,171, and the 75k-110k bracket reaches $8,947. Even at the upper end of the middle-income range, UF Online remains a bargain. Cost doubles and then triples moving up the income ladder, but stays well under $10,000 per year throughout.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning over $110,000 pay $12,923 per year. This is still far below the national average for public university net prices. For high-income families, UF Online represents a full University of Florida degree at a fraction of the cost of the residential campus or most comparable universities. The question for high-income families is typically not affordability but whether the online format is the right fit.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Florida-Online with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $82,615 | B+ |
| Registered Nursing | $79,839 | B+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $126,268 | A |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $69,600 | B |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $60,497 | C+ |
| Psychology | $57,053 | C |
| Political Science and Government | $57,953 | C |
| Fire Protection | $97,839 | A |
| Sociology | $51,039 | C |
| Public Health | $68,605 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences at UF Online produces 69 graduates per year with year-one median earnings of $90,651 and year-four earnings of $126,268. Median debt is $16,000 with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 and an A roiGrade. These are some of the best per-dollar returns available in online education. Florida's tech market -- anchored in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando -- absorbs CS graduates readily. The UF brand carries weight with employers who know the school's engineering and CS reputation. Total four-year cost near $20,000 makes this program one of the cheapest paths to a $90,000 starting salary in the country.
Fire Protection
Fire Protection is a standout program at UF Online, with 43 graduates per year earning $86,740 in year one and $97,839 by year four. Median debt is $12,296, giving a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.14 and an A roiGrade -- the best in this dataset. This program serves working fire professionals seeking advancement to fire investigator, marshal, or management roles. Florida's large and growing fire services sector, combined with the credential's direct career application, drives strong earning outcomes. The extremely low debt relative to earnings reflects students who are often already employed in the field.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing at UF Online graduates 87 students per year with year-one median earnings of $73,711 and year-four earnings of $79,839. Median debt is $19,934 with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 and a B+ roiGrade. Florida has one of the highest nurse employment densities in the country, and a UF nursing degree commands strong market recognition. The online format primarily serves working nurses completing RN-to-BSN transitions or career changers entering a hospital's clinical pipeline. Starting salaries in Florida's hospital systems track national nursing medians closely.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is UF Online's largest program by graduate count, with 201 graduates per year. Year-one median earnings are $52,032 and year-four earnings reach $82,615. Median debt is $16,811 with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 and a B+ roiGrade. The UF Warrington College of Business name attaches to this degree, which is a meaningful credential in Florida's finance, retail, and services economy. Students entering with prior work experience or concentrating in finance, real estate, or supply chain management tend to see the strongest placement outcomes.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 68.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 72.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 71.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 75.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 61.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 610-700 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 640-710 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 27-31 |
| Enrollment | 4,627 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 21.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $5,838 |
UF Online admits 61% of applicants with academic profiles that overlap with the residential Gainesville campus but lean toward the middle of UF's range. SAT math 610-700, reading 640-710, ACT 27-31. For Florida community college graduates, the 2+2 articulation pathway with the Florida College System is the main route in. These students should confirm admission requirements for their specific program -- some are more competitive than others.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UF Online's peer set in this dataset includes University of Central Florida (ROI 79, net price $10,411, completion 78%) and Colorado School of Mines (a very different school but a peer comparison point). UCF is the clearest apples-to-apples comparison in Florida: it has a 78% completion rate and $39,900 in 6-year earnings versus UF Online's 84.7% completion and $47,700 earnings. UF Online wins on both counts while charging $4,815 versus UCF's $10,411 net price. For Florida residents who can access UF Online, it is difficult to beat on pure financial terms.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida-Online (this school) | 91 | $4,815 | $71,588 |
| Colorado School of Mines | 94 | $28,690 | $97,335 |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology | 90 | $16,298 | $82,957 |
| Rutgers University-Camden | 84 | $18,745 | $74,479 |
| University of Central Florida | 79 | $10,411 | $58,308 |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | 28 | $13,739 | $44,349 |
Who Thrives Here
UF Online admits 61% of applicants, with SAT ranges of 610-700 math and 640-710 reading (ACT 27-31). The student body skews toward working adults and transfer students from Florida community colleges who want a UF degree at a fraction of the residential cost. Pell Grant recipients make up 22% of enrolled students. Students who succeed here are independent learners with strong time management. The degree carries the same University of Florida name recognition as the residential campus, which matters in Florida's job market.
Transfer Pathways
UF Online is a primary destination for Florida community college graduates through the state's 2+2 articulation framework. Students who earn an AA at any Florida College System school have guaranteed admission to UF Online in most programs. This makes UF Online one of the most financially efficient transfer pathways in the country for Florida residents.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Florida-Online is one of the strongest financial investments in higher education. With a total 4-year net cost of $19,260 and median graduate earnings of $71,588 ten years out, the math works decisively in graduates' favor. The estimated payback period of 4.4 years is well below average.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 84.7% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $15,000 is very manageable against $71,588 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.