Best MBA Programs in Florida

University of Florida – Warrington College of Business

Overview

The University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business is consistently ranked as one of the top MBA programs in the nation. The full-time MBA program provides students with a strong return on investment (ROI), especially due to its relatively low tuition and high post-graduation salaries. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, innovation, and global business skills, with multiple formats available: full-time, part-time, and online. Students benefit from networking opportunities with top-tier companies, as well as a strong alumni network.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #37 nationally
  • Number of Students: 200 full-time students
  • Acceptance Rate: 30%
  • Average GMAT Score: 680
  • Top Hiring Companies:
    • Amazon
    • Deloitte
    • Procter & Gamble
    • NextEra Energy
  • Average Starting Salary: $117,197
  • Employment Rate at Graduation: 95%

Notable Alumni

  • Chris Tomasso: CEO of First Watch Restaurants
  • Steve Weiss: Former CFO of Valero Energy
  • Carolyn Everson: Former Vice President of Facebook

University of Miami – Herbert Business School

Overview

The University of Miami’s Herbert Business School is well-regarded for its focus on international business and finance. Situated in Miami, a global financial hub, the MBA program offers unparalleled access to major corporations and international markets. Herbert’s program is known for its flexibility, with full-time, part-time, and executive tracks available. The program places a strong emphasis on leadership development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and students are provided with ample networking opportunities and hands-on experiences.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Top 50 in the U.S.
  • Number of Students: 300 full-time MBA students
  • Acceptance Rate: 40%
  • Average GMAT Score: 640
  • Top Hiring Companies:
    • Goldman Sachs
    • Marriott International
    • Baptist Health South Florida
    • CitiBank
  • Average Starting Salary: $109,555
  • Employment Rate at Graduation: 92%

Notable Alumni

  • Jorge Mas Santos: Chairman of MasTec
  • Carlos Gutierrez: Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce
  • Manuel Medina: Founder of Cyxtera Technologies

Florida International University – College of Business

Overview

Florida International University (FIU) has established itself as a leader in international business education. Its location in Miami makes it a hub for students interested in global commerce, particularly with Latin American markets. The MBA program is ranked highly for its focus on international business and its ability to attract a diverse student body. FIU’s MBA also offers specialized tracks such as healthcare management, entrepreneurship, and real estate.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Top 70 nationally
  • Number of Students: 400 full-time and part-time students
  • Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • Average GMAT Score: 580
  • Top Hiring Companies:
    • American Airlines
    • Carnival Corporation
    • Royal Caribbean
    • Hilton Worldwide
  • Average Starting Salary: $75,000
  • Employment Rate at Graduation: 90%

Notable Alumni

  • Adolfo Henriques: Vice Chairman of Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust
  • Alex T. Rodriguez: Founder of Rodriguez Holdings, LLC
  • Lazaro Campos: Former CEO of SWIFT

University of Central Florida – College of Business Administration

Overview

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a high-quality MBA program that focuses on entrepreneurship, data analytics, and business leadership. The school has a strong connection with the local business community in Orlando, which is known for its industries in healthcare, tourism, and aerospace. UCF’s MBA program offers flexibility with full-time, part-time, and executive tracks. Students have access to networking events, internships, and experiential learning opportunities, making it a great choice for professionals looking to expand their career prospects in Central Florida.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Top 100 nationally
  • Number of Students: 500 full-time and part-time students
  • Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • Average GMAT Score: 550
  • Top Hiring Companies:
    • Walt Disney Company
    • Siemens
    • Lockheed Martin
    • Orlando Health
  • Average Starting Salary: $75,200
  • Employment Rate at Graduation: 85%

Notable Alumni

  • John Hitt: Former President of UCF
  • George Kalogridis: President of Walt Disney World Resort
  • Theresa Barrera: VP of International Business Development at Walmart

University of South Florida – Muma College of Business

Overview

The University of South Florida (USF) offers a well-regarded MBA program that focuses on innovation and data analytics. Located in Tampa, USF’s Muma College of Business connects students with Florida’s booming finance, technology, and healthcare industries. USF’s MBA offers specializations in fields such as business analytics, cybersecurity, and healthcare management, and the program emphasizes experiential learning through internships and consulting projects.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #73 nationally
  • Number of Students: 300 full-time and part-time students
  • Acceptance Rate: 55%
  • Average GMAT Score: 560
  • Top Hiring Companies:
    • JPMorgan Chase
    • TECO Energy
    • Raymond James Financial
    • Bristol-Myers Squibb
  • Average Starting Salary: $80,000
  • Employment Rate at Graduation: 88%

Notable Alumni

  • Pam Iorio: Former Mayor of Tampa
  • Michael A. Griffin: CEO of TECO Energy
  • Jordan Zimmerman: Founder of Zimmerman Advertising