Best Online Colleges in Florida

Florida boasts many affordable online colleges and universities. Students living in Florida for more than 12 months may qualify for in-state tuition, costing just a fraction of out-of-state tuition. Online and hybrid programs eliminate or reduce commuting and residency expenses. Many distance learners reduce their debt by working while in school.

Florida's unusually large economy makes this state a great place to study. The best colleges in Florida often create partnerships with local organizations and require students to complete internships at real-world work sites. These experiences facilitate hands-on learning, professional networking, and sometimes even employment offers.

Selecting an online college in Florida is an important decision that requires a lot of research. To make the decision easier, we formed these rankings by considering factors like affordability, quality, and accessibility. The following guide highlights these and other notable features of Florida's best online colleges.

Best Online Colleges in Florida

Additional Schools

• University of South Florida Main Campus

Why Choose an Online University in Florida?

Florida's online degrees often feature flexible options for attendance, participation, and program pacing. This flexibility accommodates busy schedules, allowing Florida students to continue working while pursuing their degrees.

Prospective students seeking careers in Florida may benefit from online programs relevant to the state's largest industries. These industries include manufacturing, homeland security, and life sciences. Other top Florida industries are aerospace and information technology. Earning a bachelor's degree in fields such as computer science, biochemistry, and engineering can help graduates secure careers in these industries.

Common Online Bachelor's Programs in Florida

The best colleges in Florida offer diverse majors, including biochemistry, computer science, education, and engineering. Studying the subjects below can prepare students for the growing Florida careers described further down this page.

• Biochemistry

  Biochemistry degrees often lead to lab, clinical, or research careers in diverse industries such as pharmaceutics, healthcare, or education. Biochemistry programs include coursework on biological systems, biophysical chemistry, and organic chemistry. Course topics include states of matter, equilibrium theory, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics.

• Computer Science

  Degrees in this promising field support high-paying, high-growth computer science and IT jobs. Computer science bachelor's programs include courses on computer programming, data analysis, and software engineering. Students also learn about information technology management. In addition, some programs offer courses in artificial intelligence, 3-D animation, and algorithms.

• Education

  Bachelor's in education graduates usually pursue teaching or education administration careers. These programs often allow students to focus their degree based on their intended student population. Popular specializations include career and technical education, English as a second language, special education, and physical education. Many bachelor's in education programs include intensive practicum experiences qualifying learners for state teaching certification.

• Engineering

  Engineering degree curricula depend on a student's chosen field. Engineering students select from many potential fields, including software, environmental, electrical, and chemical engineering. Some degree-seekers study civil, agricultural, aerospace, or mechanical engineering. Some engineering schools offer petroleum engineering concentrations, which can support promising careers in Florida.

• Nursing

  Florida's online nursing programs typically serve aspiring registered nurses seeking Florida licensure. Core curricula typically include anatomy, microbiology, patient care, and nursing research. Nursing bachelor's programs often provide specialization options such as obstetrics and gynecology, gerontology, cardiology, or surgical nursing.

Cost of Attending an Online College in Florida

Florida online colleges vary widely in price, so students should consider their options carefully when choosing where to apply. The best colleges in Florida often cost more, but high-quality schools may offer more financial aid or better job prospects. However, many Florida schools boast both high quality and affordability.

Florida students can save money by attending public, in-state schools. As the table below indicates, Florida schools charge in-state students a fraction of what non-residents pay. Similarly, private four-year colleges are five times more expensive than public four-year colleges.

Students often save money by pursuing degrees online rather than on-campus, eliminating commuting and on-campus housing costs. Many online programs waive university fees for distance learners. They also often charge less per credit than on-campus programs.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Career and Salary Outlook for Students in Florida

Degrees from Florida online colleges support many lucrative and growing careers in the state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data in the table below, the following five advanced careers feature impressive median annual salaries ranging from about $126,000-$146,000. BLS job outlook data suggests that computer and information systems managers and financial managers enjoy particularly promising career growth projections.

• Petroleum Engineers: Sometimes called drilling, production, or reservoir engineers, petroleum engineers work on oil and gas extraction. Petroleum engineers create plans, methods, and equipment for onshore or offshore extraction. These professionals identify the best extraction methods based on the natural environment surrounding the oil or gas site.
• Computer and Information Systems Managers: Also known as IT managers, CIS managers oversee computer and information technology systems, employees, and activities. These professionals identify IT needs, establish goals, manage IT staff, and install and maintain computer systems. CIS managers usually hold at least a bachelor's degree in a technology-related field.
• Financial Managers: These professionals oversee their organizations' or departments' financial performance. Common duties include financial goal-setting, investment decision-making, and financial reporting. Financial managers supervise finance and budgeting staff, analyze market trends, ensure legal compliance, and advise executives. Financial managers typically hold at least a bachelor's in finance or business.
• Sales Managers: These managers analyze information, set sales goals, and train and supervise sales teams. Additional duties include customer complaint resolution, budgeting, and sales projection. Sales managers often collaborate with marketing, research, and design departments.
• Marketing Managers: Sometimes called advertising or promotions managers, marketing managers help their companies sell products or services. Often cooperating with sales, design, and finance departments, marketing managers create programs designed to attract consumers. Marketing managers negotiate contracts, plan advertising campaigns, analyze market trends, and meet with clients.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Questions to Consider When Attending Online School in Florida

Do online credits cost more or less in Florida?

Affordable Florida online colleges typically charge less per credit than on-campus colleges.

What is the most affordable college in Florida?

A public research university located in Gainesville, the University of Florida scores the highest in our affordable college rankings.

How long do you need to live in Florida to get in-state tuition?

If a student or student's parent lives in Florida for 12 months, the student may qualify for residency status and in-state tuition at Florida online colleges.