University of Florida

The University of Florida is one of the best bargains in higher education. Tuition is about $6,400 a year for Floridians, and more than 80% of undergraduates get some type of financial aid. About 90% of freshmen graduate within six years, which is 11% higher than their peers at similar schools, according to Money's calculations. Despite the low net cost, students get access to some of the world's top professors -- and this proximity pays off, with average early-career earnings adding up to $54,100. Sports and Greek life are the biggest players on the campus social scene. The Gators are one of the strongest college sports franchises in the country with widespread athletic success. In 2017, the men's baseball team emerged victorious from the College World Series; the women's gymnastics team recently won three straight national championships. UF is home to The Swamp, which regularly packs in over 80,000 football fans for games covered by The Independent Florida Alligator, the nation's largest student-run newspaper. UF's 2,000-acre campus features live alligators, a 157-foot carillon tower, a butterfly rainforest, free Gatorade in the Student Health Care Center, and a gigantic rock affectionately nicknamed "the Potato." Plus, it's all located in the vibrant college town of Gainesville, home to eclectic pizza restaurant Satchel's and an annual music festival. Not even the frequent afternoon thunderstorms can dampen Gators' spirit.