2026 Best Value Marine Biology Schools in Florida

1

Florida International University
Miami, FL

Florida International University earned the #1 spot for value among marine biology schools in Florida. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete the marine biology program here. Soon after graduation, marine biology degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $52,517. That is a strong return on a $19,349 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%.

2

The University Of West Florida
Pensacola, FL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of West Florida earned it the #2 place for marine biology. Located in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,776, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for marine biology graduates is $20,731. Early-career marine biology graduates make about $25,299. Set against $20,731 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.

3

University Of South Florida Main Campus
Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine biology, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Marine Biology graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Early-career marine biology graduates make about $52,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants.

4

Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL

A rank of #4 makes Jacksonville University one of the best values for marine biology. Jacksonville University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Jacksonville. Students from in state pay about $48,150 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for marine biology graduates is $25,619. Soon after graduation, marine biology degree recipients from Jacksonville University generally make around $72,608. Set against $25,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.

5

Florida Southern College
Lakeland, FL

Florida Southern College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value marine biology schools. Located in the city of Lakeland, Florida Southern College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,040. Typical student debt for marine biology graduates is $23,250. Early-career marine biology graduates make about $26,616. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Florida Southern College admits about 64% of applicants.

6

Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University placed #6 among the best values for marine biology. Set in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,700. Students borrow a median of $23,549 to complete the marine biology program here. Early-career marine biology graduates make about $39,423. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.

7

Eckerd College
Saint Petersburg, FL

Eckerd College placed #7 among the best values for marine biology. Eckerd College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Petersburg. Students from in state pay about $51,884 in tuition and fees. Marine Biology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Marine Biology graduates of Eckerd College earn a median of $21,980 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eckerd College admits about 76% of applicants.

8

Florida Institute Of Technology
Melbourne, FL

Florida Institute Of Technology came in at #8 for value in marine biology this year. Located in the city of Melbourne, Florida Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $45,900. Marine Biology graduates carry a median of $32,114 in student loans. Early-career marine biology graduates make about $69,878. Set against $32,114 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.

9

The University Of Tampa
Tampa, FL

The University Of Tampa placed #9 among the best values for marine biology. The University Of Tampa is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Tampa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,408. Students borrow a median of $26,705 to complete the marine biology program here. Early-career marine biology graduates make about $29,603. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%.

10

University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value marine biology schools. Set in the suburb of Coral Gables, University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,616. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the marine biology program here. Early-career marine biology graduates make about $33,455. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt. Roughly 19% of applicants are accepted.