Best Online Colleges in Florida 2025
Florida offers many higher education choices. With more than 90 colleges, including 12 public universities, students can find affordable options. And many top schools in Florida offer online programs that allow students to complete degrees from anywhere.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), for the 2022-2023 school year, the average cost for in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at Florida’s four-year public institutions was $4,540 — $5,210 less than the national average.
Learn more about Florida’s online universities, tuition costs, and state scholarship applications below. We also cover the most in-demand jobs and the cost of living in Florida.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in Florida 2025
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Florida Atlantic University has six campuses throughout Florida. The school offers over 170 degree programs, including bachelor' s-to-master's pathways. Students can pursue programs online, hybrid, or in person. FAU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 23-to-1, and over 200,000 students have graduated from the school.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $203
Out of State | $722
Why Students Choose FAU:
- Diversity: FAU reports that it hosts the most diverse student population among all Florida public universities.
- Research Opportunities: Over 6,000 research experiences are available to undergraduate students, and qualified individuals may receive research grants.
- Study Abroad Programs: Attendees can enroll in short-term and long-term international programs. The school offers exchange, faculty-led, and direct enrollment options.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Out-of-State Costs: Non-Florida residents pay significantly higher rates than local students.
- Career Center: FAU's career center helps current students and alumni pursue jobs through career fairs, counseling sessions, and professional headshots.
- Financial Aid: FAU offers financial aid support via scholarships, form assistance, and resource recommendations.
- In-State$6,099
- Out-of-state$21,665
- In-State$5,467
- Out-of-state$16,695
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled30,849
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, located in Tallahassee, Florida, was founded in 1887. The school has over 10,000 students through its undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs. As of 2020, one-third of incoming freshmen chose a science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics-related major.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $2,849
Out of State | $8,793
Why Students Choose FAMU:
- Academic Advising: Academic advisors can assist students in choosing their undergraduate majors, planning career paths, and clarifying their personal goals.
- Athletics: FAMU has multiple male and female sports teams, including baseball, basketball, and football.
- Counseling Services: Enrollees can attend counseling services to discuss personal and academic issues. Counselors provide individual support, group workshops, and referrals.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Early Admission Requirements: For early admission, each candidate must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, provide a letter of recommendation, and meet SAT or ACT score requirements.
- On-Campus Focus: The school offers 98 degree programs, but only 13 can be completed online.
- Campus Visits: FAMU provides weekday tours throughout each semester. Students can participate in tours to learn about the school and explore the campus environment.
- In-State$5,645
- Out-of-state$17,585
- In-State$8,019
- Out-of-state$22,108
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate21%
- Students Enrolled9,265
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Florida International University offers over 190 degree programs for undergraduate, master's, and PhD students. The school, a research institution, has spent over $1 billion in research over the past five years.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $3,084
Out of State | $9,283
Why Students Choose FIU:
- Online Variety: FIU's online school offers multiple program types, including bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, undergraduate certificates, minors, and more.
- Extracurriculars: Students can choose from around 300 extracurriculars, including cultural organizations, academic groups, and professional associations.
- Tutoring: Online and in-person tutors can assist enrollees who need academic support. Individuals can also sign up for extra credit lessons for certain math and science courses.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: First-year students may receive merit-based scholarships, but in-state applicants must apply by Nov. 1, while out-of-state applicants must apply by Dec. 3.
- Work-Study Program: Qualified individuals can work up to 20 hours per week within FIU to earn income while studying.
- Standardized Tests: Applicants must complete the SAT, ACT, or CLT and submit official scores to FIU.
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled54,085
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Florida has 14 departments and over 200 online degrees and certificate programs. The school enrolls more than 55,000 in-person students and over 5,000 online attendees. Students can apply for multiple scholarships, including admissions scholarships and out-of-state tuition waivers.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $3,190
Out of State | $14,329
Why Students Choose UF:
- Artificial Intelligence Focus: The University of Florida has set up an AI initiative to infuse AI into classes, conduct research, and create AI certificate programs.
- Recurring Advisor: Students can meet with academic advisors once per term to discuss academic goals, choose courses, and check degree requirements.
- International Center: UF's international center provides international teaching, study abroad, and Peace Corps opportunities.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Higher Cost: Out-of-state attendees pay a high tuition rate among Florida's schools.
- Common App: First-year students can apply for UF through the online portal or Common App.
- Fully Online Programs: UF provides fully online programs in multiple disciplines, including business, biology, and computer science.
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- In-State$10,770
- Out-of-state$27,335
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate24%
- Students Enrolled54,814
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
The University of West Florida has over 110 in-person and online degree programs for undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. students. Fully online learners represent 43% of its enrollees. The school offers specialized scholarships for veterans and active military personnel.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $212
Out of State | $642
Why Students Choose UWF:
- Textbooks: The on-campus library holds physical copies of all required undergraduate textbooks. Attendees can use these books to complete courses and save money.
- Program Reviews: Applicants can review over 110 available degrees by location, program type, and area of interest.
- Military Resource Center: Active military, veterans, and dependents can work with specialized counselors for assistance with academic and health services.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Extracurriculars: Enrollees can sign up for over 130 student organizations and 15 athletic programs.
- Virtual Tour: Prospective attendees can take a virtual tour of the campus and on-campus housing.
- Argo 30: Pell Grant recipients may need to pay additional funds to cover tuition and mandatory fees. UWF's "Argo 30" guarantee covers these costs for Pell Grant recipients.
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- In-State$7,088
- Out-of-state$22,166
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled13,521
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
The University of South Florida comprises 13 colleges and offers over 200 degrees. Students can choose from online and in-person programs. The school has over 47,000 enrollees, with most attendees in the college of arts and science or college of business.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $117
Out of State | $557
Why Students Choose USF:
- Tutoring: Attendees can book a tutor or drop in to receive assistance. Students do not have a tutoring hours limit.
- Internship Course: USF's internship course provides real-life experience and course credit. Enrollees in any major may take this course for up to six credits.
Know Before You Enroll:
- College Reach-Out Program: CROP helps disadvantaged students in grades 6-11. The program motivates students and provides additional details regarding the benefits of postsecondary education.
- Average GPAs: First-year enrollees had an average GPA of 4.07-4.55 on a 5.0 scale in 2024. Applicants earn an additional point for AP courses and 0.5 point for honors courses.
- Scholarships: Students can apply for USF scholarships from December to May. The USF Foundation has various alumni scholarships with different requirements.
- In-State$3,647
- Out-of-state$11,963
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled48,566
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Central Florida provides over 240 degree programs for on-campus and virtual attendees. Online students can take asynchronous or live two-way video courses. First-generation students can apply for grants through the school's Access to Opportunities platform.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $2,514
Out of State | $10,027
Why Students Choose UCF:
- Research Institution: UCF received over $200 million in 2023 for sponsored research funding. Faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students can participate in research projects.
- Sports Traditions: UCF has multiple game-day traditions, including tailgating, team welcoming, and audience singing.
- Inclusive: Over 50% of the incoming class of 2023 were people of color. The U.S. Department of Education designated the school as a Hispanic-serving institution.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Standardized Tests: First-year students in the 2024 class had a mid-range ACT score of 29-31 and a mid-range SAT score of 1300-1420.
- Scholarship Application: Attendees can apply to over 200 available school scholarships through a single application.
- Online Options: The University of Central Florida has over 100 online programs, including criminal justice and healthcare degrees.
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$22,467
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled68,842
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Price Check 
Around 65% of the Sunshine State’s high school graduates enroll in state colleges to begin their education. Florida is home to 12 public universities with $85 billion annual operating budgets.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Florida
Florida boasts an abundance of fast-growing jobs. Nurse practitioners top the list, driven by a physician shortage and an aging population. Data scientists and information security analysts are in high demand as data analysis becomes a staple of industry decision-making.
The chart below showcases thriving careers in Florida in healthcare, data science, and computer science.
| Job | Projected Growth (2022-2033) | Annual Mean Wage in Florida (May 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 58.5% | $119,710 |
| Data Scientists | 47.0% | $106,490 |
| Information Security Analysts | 41.5% | $113,020 |
| Statisticians | 39.0% | $87,310 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 38.6% | $131,680 |
| Physician Assistants | 37.9% | $121,780 |
| Actuaries | 37.8% | $122,080 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 36.9% | $124,070 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 36.4% | $41,640 |
| Veterinarians | 34.8% | $143,950 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Florida’s Job Market
The following majors can help you land the fastest-growing jobs in Florida’s job market. Each one provides key training and knowledge for entry-level jobs. Explore growing fields like nursing, computer science, and animal health.
Nursing
A nursing degree prepares you for several of Florida’s fastest-growing jobs, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and medical and health services managers. You’ll learn how to deliver high-quality patient care and excel in clinical settings, and you’ll master clinical skills and develop a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and psychology.Computer Science
A computer science degree also leads to fast-growing jobs in Florida. These include data scientists, information security analysts, statisticians, and actuaries. Each of these jobs demands strong analytical skills and programming expertise. These positions also require the ability to interpret complex data effectively.Animal Science
Animal science is a relevant major for those interested in becoming veterinarians or veterinary technicians. The degree program covers anatomy, physiology, livestock production, and animal breeding — key knowledge to pursue a career in animal health. You’ll also get hands-on experience with animals.
What Is the Cost of College in Florida?
Florida is one of the cheapest states for a college degree. It has the lowest tuition and fees for in-state students at public four-year colleges. Out-of-state students pay around half the national average. However, private tuition and fees are near the national average. You can also seek scholarships to help finance your education and reduce student debt.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in FL | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $4,540 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $17,831 | $28,297 |
| Private Four-Year | $30,928 | $35,248 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Florida
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. Application deadlines may vary.
Florida Academic Scholars
Florida high school graduates who meet the minimum SAT or ACT scores, hold volunteer or paid work experience requirements, and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 can qualify for full tuition awards. Students must apply no later than August 31.
Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship
This need-based scholarship offers up to $3,000 to qualifying undergraduates at participating Florida universities. Eligible applicants must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA and apply by December 31.
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. Apply by April 1.
First Generation Matching Grant
To apply, undergraduates must demonstrate financial need and have a parent who has not received a bachelor’s degree. Award amounts vary, but applicants may be able to get up to $3,000 each school year. Apply by August 31.
José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund
Applicants must meet specific criteria, including GPA, citizenship, and financial aid application requirements, to qualify for an annual award of up to $2,000 for Mexican or Hispanic students. The application deadline is May 15.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Florida
Tuition reciprocity in Florida is offered through the Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market. This agreement allows residents to attend participating out-of-state colleges at reduced rates. This can lower costs and provide access to a program of study not available in a student’s home state. However, tuition reciprocity in Florida is only available for graduate-level programs.
The following states participate in tuition reciprocity with Florida:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida (graduate programs only)
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas (graduate programs only)
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Florida
According to NCES, the University of West Florida is the cheapest college with online programs in Florida, with an average annual tuition of $6,360 for the 2023-2024 school year. That said, out-of-state students at UWF pay more than double per credit, except Alabama residents, who qualify for out-of-state tuition discounts.
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