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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in Florida
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in Florida? Our ranking highlights 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 help you make your decision, Trade College evaluated 58 schools to produce 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 Trade Degree Schools in Florida
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Valencia College, our #1 best-value Trade school in Florida. Set in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $9,576. Students borrow a median of $14,413 to complete their Trade program here. Valencia College alumni report median earnings of $40,594 a decade after entry. Set against $14,413 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Valencia College
A rank of #2 makes Tallahassee Community College one of the best values in Florida. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. Students from in state pay about $2,026 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,062. The median Trade program debt is $16,340. Median earnings reach $37,561 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,340 median debt. Read the full report on Tallahassee Community College
You'll get strong value at Hillsborough Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Tampa, FL, Hillsborough Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,491, while out-of-state students pay about $9,088. Typical Trade student debt is $16,142. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,782. Set against $16,142 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Hillsborough Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Santa Fe College earned it the #4 place in Florida. Based in Gainesville, FL, Santa Fe College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,563, with out-of-state students paying around $9,189. The median Trade program debt is $17,558. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Santa Fe College report
You'll get strong value at Gulf Coast State College, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Panama City, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,370, while out-of-state students pay about $8,635. Students borrow a median of $8,286 to complete their Trade program here. Gulf Coast State College alumni report median earnings of $38,359 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Gulf Coast State College
Miami Dade College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Miami, FL, Miami Dade College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,661. Typical Trade student debt is $11,967. Median earnings reach $40,654 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Miami Dade College
St Petersburg College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. St Petersburg College is a public school based in St. Petersburg, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,682, with out-of-state students paying around $9,286. Typical Trade student debt is $24,385. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,557 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,385 median debt. Read more about St Petersburg College
Broward College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Broward College is a public school based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Students from in state pay about $2,830 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,952. The median Trade program debt is $13,110. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,939 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,110 median debt. Get the full Broward College report
North Florida Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Madison, FL, North Florida Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,994, compared with $11,460 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,902 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $33,929 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,902 median debt. Get the full North Florida Community College report
Eastern Florida State College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Melbourne, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,791, compared with $10,976 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,123 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,195. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Eastern Florida State College
Florida State College At Jacksonville offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Jacksonville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,657, with out-of-state students paying around $9,631. Typical Trade student debt is $19,139. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,244. Set against $19,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Florida State College At Jacksonville profile
Edison State College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Fort Myers, FL, Edison State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,401 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,979. Graduates carry a median of $13,356 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,421. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Edison State College report
Palm Beach State College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lake Worth, FL, Palm Beach State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,050, while out-of-state students pay about $10,910. Palm Beach State College Trade students take on a median of $12,518 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,923 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,518 median debt. Read more about Palm Beach State College
Pensacola State College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pensacola, FL, Pensacola State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,361, compared with $9,463 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,191 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $36,739 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Pensacola State College
Indian River State College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,764, with out-of-state students paying around $10,201. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,315 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Read more about Indian River State College
State College Of Florida Manatee Sarasota ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Bradenton, FL, State College Of Florida Manatee Sarasota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,074, with out-of-state students paying around $11,595. State College Of Florida Manatee Sarasota Trade students take on a median of $17,360 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,318. Set against $17,360 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full State College Of Florida Manatee Sarasota profile
College Of Central Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Ocala, FL, College Of Central Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,710, with out-of-state students paying around $10,517. The median Trade program debt is $18,934. Median earnings reach $38,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of Central Florida report
Seminole State College Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,122, with out-of-state students paying around $11,447. Students borrow a median of $18,419 to complete their Trade program here. Seminole State College Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $41,733 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Seminole State College Of Florida report
Florida Gateway College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lake City, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,747. Graduates carry a median of $8,669 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,894. Set against $8,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Florida Gateway College
Chipola College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Marianna, FL, Chipola College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,950. Graduates carry a median of $9,097 in student loans. Chipola College alumni report median earnings of $37,378 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,097 median debt. Read more about Chipola College
Saint Johns River State College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Saint Johns River State College is a public school based in Palatka, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,591, with out-of-state students paying around $9,334. Graduates carry a median of $16,293 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,728 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,293 median debt. See the full Saint Johns River State College profile
Polk State College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Winter Haven, FL, Polk State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,694, with out-of-state students paying around $9,818. The median Trade program 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. Read the full report on Polk State College
Daytona State College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Daytona Beach, FL, Daytona State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,106, while out-of-state students pay about $11,994. Daytona State College Trade students take on a median of $14,227 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,096. That is a strong return on a $14,227 median debt. More on Daytona State College
Northwest Florida State College placed #24 among the best-value Trade schools in Florida. Northwest Florida State College is a public school based in Niceville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,583, with out-of-state students paying around $10,612. Students borrow a median of $11,566 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,664. That is a strong return on a $11,566 median debt. See the full Northwest Florida State College profile
Pasco Hernando Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Pasco Hernando Community College is a public school based in New Port Richey, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,155, while out-of-state students pay about $12,032. Graduates carry a median of $14,908 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,903. That is a strong return on a $14,908 median debt. Read the full report on Pasco Hernando Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Florida
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #26 among the best-value Trade schools in Florida. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
University Of Florida ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
The University Of West Florida placed #28 among the best-value Trade schools in Florida. Based in Pensacola, FL, The University Of West Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,776, with out-of-state students paying around $18,658. Students borrow a median of $19,677 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of West Florida
Lake Sumter Community College placed #29 among the best-value Trade schools in Florida. Lake Sumter Community College is a public school based in Leesburg, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,292, while out-of-state students pay about $13,276. Lake Sumter Community College Trade students take on a median of $10,786 in debt. Lake Sumter Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,876 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,786 median debt. Read more about Lake Sumter Community College
Florida International University landed the #30 spot for value in Florida this year. Florida International University is a public school based in Miami, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. The median Trade program debt is $19,349. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
Florida Atlantic University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Florida Atlantic University is a public school based in Boca Raton, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $20,212 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,746 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,212 median debt. Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on Florida Atlantic University
Florida Gulf Coast University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fort Myers, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,118 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,162. Graduates carry a median of $20,015 in student loans. Florida Gulf Coast University alumni report median earnings of $54,560 a decade after entry. Set against $20,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%. Get the full Florida Gulf Coast University report
South Florida State College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Avon Park, FL, South Florida State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,165 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,859. South Florida State College Trade students take on a median of $8,204 in debt. South Florida State College alumni report median earnings of $39,990 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on South Florida State College
University Of Central Florida ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. The median Trade program debt is $21,620. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Central Florida profile
University Of North Florida landed the #35 spot for value in Florida this year. Located in Jacksonville, FL, University Of North Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,964, compared with $19,407 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $18,523. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,343. That is a strong return on a $18,523 median debt. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Florida
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,785, while out-of-state students pay about $17,725. Students borrow a median of $26,824 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $44,349 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 21%. Get the full Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University report
Rasmussen College Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,256. Graduates carry a median of $28,798 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Rasmussen College Florida
College Of Business And Technology Flagler came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Miami, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,032. The median Trade program debt is $15,276. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,534 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about College Of Business And Technology Flagler
College Of Business And Technology Hialeah ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This private for-profit school is set in Hialeah, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,030. Typical Trade student debt is $19,406. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,534 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,406 median debt. More on College Of Business And Technology Hialeah
Florida Institute Of Technology Online offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology Online is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,780. Typical Trade student debt is $38,188. Median earnings reach $43,137 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Institute Of Technology Online has an acceptance rate of 40%. Read the full report on Florida Institute Of Technology Online
Hodges University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Hodges University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Myers, FL. Typical Trade student debt is $29,762. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,052 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,762 median debt. Read the full report on Hodges University
Southwest Florida College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Fort Myers, FL, Southwest Florida College is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,125. The median Trade program debt is $23,641. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,155. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southwest Florida College report
Devry University Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Devry University Florida is a private for-profit school based in Orlando, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,008. Devry University Florida Trade students take on a median of $46,249 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,987. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Devry University Florida
City College Altamonte Springs placed #45 among the best-value Trade schools in Florida. City College Altamonte Springs is a private for-profit school based in Altamonte Springs, FL. Students from in state pay about $18,615 in tuition and fees. Typical Trade student debt is $28,128. Median earnings reach $35,994 ten years out. Set against $28,128 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. See the full City College Altamonte Springs profile
City College Fort Lauderdale landed the #46 spot for value in Florida this year. This private for-profit school is set in Hollywood, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,615. Students borrow a median of $35,613 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full City College Fort Lauderdale report
Florida National University Main Campus landed the #47 spot for value in Florida this year. Located in Hialeah, FL, Florida National University Main Campus is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,368. The median Trade program debt is $27,884. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,928 ten years after entry. Set against $27,884 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Florida National University Main Campus
Keiser University Ft Lauderdale landed the #48 spot for value in Florida this year. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Keiser University Ft Lauderdale is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,056. Graduates carry a median of $36,416 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,696. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on Keiser University Ft Lauderdale
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,074. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach Trade students take on a median of $22,845 in debt. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,845 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach profile
Barry University placed #50 among the best-value Trade schools in Florida. Located in Miami, FL, Barry University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,350. Typical Trade student debt is $31,180. Median earnings reach $55,966 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,180 median debt. Barry University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Barry University report
Nova Southeastern University placed #51 among the best-value Trade schools in Florida. Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,700 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,021 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $59,209 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,021 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. See the full Nova Southeastern University profile
More Trade Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Trade College (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 · 58 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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