Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Florida-Online
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Despite being from a respected university, University of Florida-Online's nursing program underperforms both state and national benchmarks while saddling students with unusually high debt. Graduates earn $73,711 initially—below Florida's median of $76,508 and the national average of $74,888. More concerning, earnings actually decline to $68,854 by year four, putting this program in the bottom 40% statewide for graduate outcomes.
The debt picture is particularly troubling. At $19,934, student loans fall in the 89th percentile nationally, meaning 89% of similar programs nationwide require less borrowing. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, which while manageable, becomes less attractive when earnings decrease over time rather than grow. Florida's community colleges and other state institutions consistently produce nursing graduates who out-earn UF-Online students by $15,000-20,000 annually while requiring similar or lower debt loads.
For parents considering this program, the numbers suggest paying more for the UF brand doesn't translate to better career outcomes in nursing. Florida's community colleges like Valencia and Miami Dade deliver significantly stronger earning potential at likely lower cost. Unless your child specifically needs the online format or UF's research opportunities, the state's other nursing programs offer better returns on investment.
Where University of Florida-Online Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Florida-Online graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Florida-Online graduates earn $74k, placing them in the 44th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (72 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida-Online | $73,711 | $68,854 | $19,934 | 0.27 |
| West Coast University-Miami | $95,859 | $98,869 | $38,145 | 0.40 |
| Valencia College | $93,751 | — | $22,158 | 0.24 |
| Miami Dade College | $90,158 | — | $12,500 | 0.14 |
| Seminole State College of Florida | $89,194 | — | $22,134 | 0.25 |
| Pasco-Hernando State College | $89,145 | — | $22,097 | 0.25 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast University-Miami Doral | $23,691 | $95,859 | $38,145 |
| Valencia College Orlando | $2,474 | $93,751 | $22,158 |
| Miami Dade College Miami | $2,838 | $90,158 | $12,500 |
| Seminole State College of Florida Sanford | $3,227 | $89,194 | $22,134 |
| Pasco-Hernando State College New Port Richey | $3,155 | $89,145 | $22,097 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Florida-Online, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 373 graduates with reported earnings and 314 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.