The Sunshine State boasts an abundance of higher educational opportunities. Florida is home to over 160 colleges, including 12 public universities, that offer a relatively affordable education. Most of Florida's most prestigious colleges offer online programs to complete your degree from anywhere.
On average, Florida's four-year public colleges charged $4,541 for undergraduate tuition and fees in 2020-2021 — $4,834 less than the national average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Discover more about the online universities in Florida, tuition costs, and how to apply for state scholarships. We'll also walk you through Florida's most in-demand jobs and cost of living.
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Online Colleges in Florida
#1 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553
Credits to Graduate: 124
At UF Online, you can earn a bachelor's degree online in one of 24 exciting subjects. Program offerings span from general subjects like business administration and nursing to specialized degrees in fields like sports management and environmental geoscience.
In-state students qualify for rock-bottom tuition rates at just $129 per credit. Students are also eligible for UF's generous financial aid program. Aid offers rise as high as $3,000 per academic year, depending on need.
According to UF's Career Connections Center, 2023 graduates earned an average salary of $69,000 per year.
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $147
Out-of-State | $264
Credits to Graduate: 120
With dozens of online degree programs, FIU Online makes a college education easy, convenient, and cheap. In-state and out-of-state students both qualify for affordable tuition rates, and you can choose from one of 54 subjects to earn your bachelor's in.
FIU also offers a long list of financial aid options, including grants, work-study programs, scholarships, and loans.
FIU undergrads post impressive academic progress rates. In 2021-22, 89% of first-time students earned GPAs of at least 2.0 and returned to continue their learning.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $214
Out-of-State | $577
Credits to Graduate: 120
If you've already got some college credits under your belt, you can enroll in a bachelor's completion program at University of South Florida. You'll be able to complete all your upper-level coursework online. Some programs include mandatory in-person field learning or internship components, which you'll do in person.
Program options include criminology, criminal justice, environmental policy, information studies, public administration, public health, and urban studies. USF also offers a generous need-based in-house scholarship program.
USF graduates tend to enjoy positive outcomes. In 2022, USF placed second among Florida state colleges in post-graduation employment placements.
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $203
Out-of-State | $722
Credits to Graduate: 120
At FAU Online, you can earn an online bachelor's degree in your choice of 10 subjects. Most online programs have specialized, career-oriented focuses in areas like business, nursing, and applied sciences. You can also study criminology or geography, or earn a general degree in interdisciplinary studies.
FAU maintains a policy of trying to help every student who needs aid to meet their costs. Financial aid programs also include scholarships and programs for helping students buy books. FAU has beat its own four-year graduation rate goals for first-time undergrads every year from 2012-20.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $105
Out-of-State | $105
Credits to Graduate: 120
If you're looking for rewarding study opportunities with affordable price tags, UCF Online might make a strong match. In addition to low tuition rates, UCF students also enjoy access to both internal and external scholarship programs.
Among UCF's 30 fully online bachelor's programs, the school highlights anthropology, criminal justice, and psychology as especially popular.
Students thrive at UCF: Academic progress rates among first-time students matched or exceeded the school's goals every year from 2016-21.
Percent Online Enrollment
9%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $219
Out-of-State | $648
Credits to Graduate: 120-132
UWF Online offers a diverse lineup of flexible, 100% online bachelor's programs. Offerings span 19 areas in fields including business, criminal justice, education, health, nursing, and technology.
If you need help paying for college, UWF awards scholarships based on academic achievement, financial need, and unique talent. As an online student, you'll enjoy full access to database and library resources, tech support, tutoring, and writing labs.
There's also a lot to like about UWF's student outcome trends. In 2023, UWF posted excellent scores in statewide studies measuring median salaries, student retention rates, and high-impact learning practices.
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Southeastern University
- Lakeland, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $200-$399
Out-of-State | $200-$399
Credits to Graduate: 120
Southeastern University can help you advance your learning goals at any education level. The school offers everything from associate to doctorate degrees online, including 14 programs at the bachelor's level.
As a Christian college, SEU features multiple online programs with religious and ministerial focus. You can also earn an online degree in business, communications, construction technology, criminal justice, digital design, education, human services, nursing, psychology, or tourism management.
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Baptist College of Florida
- Graceville, FL
- 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $420-$520
Out-of-State | $420-$520
Credits to Graduate: 117-130
At Baptist University of Florida, you can complete any undergraduate major or degree at the school entirely online. BUF groups programs in categories including business, music and worship, teacher education, and theology. You'll enjoy excellent self-scheduling flexibility thanks to asynchronous classes that run on weekly schedules.
Beyond affordable tuition rates, BUF helps students by providing scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment opportunities.
BUF students post strong program completion rates. From 2016-20, students completed their programs at rates 35% higher than targets set by the IPEDS Outcome Measures program.
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Keiser University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Academic Year:
In-State | $22,936
Out-of-State | $22,936
Credits to Graduate: 120
Keiser University features career-oriented, 100% online programs in areas like business, health sciences, legal studies, and technology. You can also earn an online degree in criminal justice, homeland security, public administration, and other specialized areas. Notably, the school also features an online interdisciplinary studies degree delivered entirely in Spanish.
You can apply for aid through Keiser's financial services office. Aid offerings include scholarships, grants, loans, and a unique student refund program for qualified students.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Ana G. Mendez University
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $190-$395
Out-of-State | $190-$395
Credits to Graduate: 120-126
You can pursue your choice of 15 online bachelor's degrees at AGMU Online. The school's lineup of online bachelor's programs emphasizes practical, career-oriented subjects in business, technology, health, and nursing. You can also pursue studies in areas like organizational development and public relations.
With a flexible and agile online learning model, AGMU delivers a valuable e-learning experience focused on efficiency and educational quality. The school's financial aid programs are mainly need-based and require at least half-time enrollment.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
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Price Check
About 65% of the Sunshine State's high school graduates enroll in state colleges to begin their education. The state offers 12 public universities with $85 billion annual operating budgets.
Cost of Living in Florida
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Florida ranks as the 31st most affordable state in the nation — making the state a place where college students can typically lower their cost of living.
Students can also find discounts or share costs on everyday living expenses, such as housing, transportation, and groceries. Keep in mind that the cost of living varies from city to city. For instance, what you pay for room and board in Miami differs from Orlando.
Average Cost of Living in Florida
Cost of Living Category |
Average Price |
Monthly Mortgage |
$1,618 |
Monthly Rent |
$1,348 |
Monthly Electricity Bill |
$130 |
Monthly Grocery & Food Costs |
$324 |
Annual Transportation Costs |
$5,477 |
Annual Healthcare Costs |
$7,676 |
Source: SoFi
Florida Scholarships
Scholarships are an ideal way to fund your education and reduce student debt. Online students can often apply for the same scholarships as on-campus students. We've found five scholarships for Florida students to get you started.
- Florida Academic Scholars: Florida high school graduates who meet the minimum 3.50 GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and volunteer or paid work experience requirements can qualify for full tuition awards.
- Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship: This need-based scholarship offers up to $3,000 to qualifying undergraduates enrolled at participating Florida universities. Eligible applicants also need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Florida Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans: Eligible applicants must be between 16-22 years old and be a dependent of a Florida veteran. Recipients can receive scholarship awards in varying amounts.
- Shamrock Clover Scholarship: This scholarship is open to college-bound high school students with an entrepreneurial spirit. Recipients must be from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Marion, Orange, Manatee, Pasco, or Hernando counties. They can apply to receive up to $5,000.
- First Generation Matching Grant Program: To apply, undergraduates must demonstrate a financial need and have a parent who has not received a bachelor's degree. Applicants can get up to $3,000 each school year.
The 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs in Florida
Many of the fastest-growing jobs in Florida include healthcare careers available to a variety of degree holders. For instance, the most in-demand career, a nurse practitioner (NP), is projected to grow by 49.9% in Florida. Becoming an NP requires at least a master's degree or higher.
Another in-demand job is gaming dealers, which should grow by 26.5% from 2022-2030. Gaming dealers only need vocational training, not a college degree. Find more of Florida's in-demand careers in the table below.
Fastest-Growing Careers in Florida 2022-2030
Job |
Projected Growth |
Median Annual Wage |
Nurse Practitioners |
49.9% |
$101,109 |
Information Security Analysts |
33.1% |
$100,693 |
Physician Assistants |
31.9% |
$101,670 |
Physical Therapist Assistants |
27.1% |
$62,275 |
Gaming Dealers |
26.5% |
$25,542 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
25.9% |
$102,194 |
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary |
25.0% |
$71,011 |
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians |
24.8% |
$36,525 |
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers |
24.7% |
$28,683 |
Respiratory Therapists |
24.2% |
$60,528 |
Source: FloridaCommerce, Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Florida
What is the cheapest online college in Florida?
According to NCES, the University of West Florida has the most affordable tuition in the state, with an average annual net price of $8,609. That said, out-of-state students at UWF pay more than double per credit hour, except Alabama residents who qualify for out-of-state tuition discounts.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Florida?
Located in Orlando, Florida, Ana G. Mendez University boasts an open admission policy — making it one of the least selective colleges in the state. It takes a high school diploma or GED to get admitted.
AGM offers students a wide variety of online degree programs to choose from — from psychology to nursing to graphic design.
How much does online college cost in Florida?
Online learners in Florida often pay the same amount for tuition and fees as on-campus learners. Although online students may avoid on-campus-related expenses and fees, there may be technology fees related to distance learning.
Some online colleges in Florida offer online students the in-state tuition price, regardless of residency. In fact, some institutions offer discounted tuition rates for distance learners.
Is online college free in Florida?
No, online college is not free in Florida. That said, you may qualify for Florida's tuition and fee exemption program. For example, students of deceased police officers can apply to get a free bachelor's degree through the Florida College System.
Do I need to be a resident of Florida to attend an online college in Florida?
You don't need to live in Florida to attend one of its online colleges. Most online colleges enroll students across the nation — and often around the world. In fact, many online programs remove out-of-state fees for online learners to make distance learning even more accessible.