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.
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Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Best Online Colleges in Florida
#1 Best Online Colleges in Florida
University of South Florida
A Tampa-based public institution, the University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The school meets the needs of students with diverse career goals by offering online programs in popular fields like business, STEM, and healthcare. Remote learners interact in a supportive and engaging virtual learning space. They can fulfill in-person requirements like internships, practicums, and clinicals locally. The school offers academic advising, online tutoring, and career counseling for its online students.
Most bachelor's programs take four years to complete. Enrollees can use credits from prior college experience to graduate sooner. Prospective enrollees can also explore programs with accelerated options.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Colleges in Florida
University of North Florida
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Jacksonville, the University of North Florida serves over 16,000 distance learners. Online degree-seekers can pick from two bachelor's programs and six master's programs. This public university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Students can pursue popular majors such as STEM, healthcare, and business. Many of these programs hold industry-specific accreditation through programmatic accreditors. Virtual learning environments help participants engage with the online program material. Local internships, practicums, and other placements help remote learners meet in-person requirements. Online degree-seekers benefit from student services tailored specifically for them, such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring.
Most bachelor's candidates take four years to earn their degrees. Accelerated programs, summer classes, and credits from previous college experience can help learners graduate faster.
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
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
AdventHealth University
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Affiliated with the the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, AdventHealth University is a private institution based in Orlando. Learners complete undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. Remote degree-seekers can choose from 23 programs.
The school's majors cover a variety of healthcare fields. Instructors blend theoretical learning with real-world problems and scenarios. Students gain practical experience through local internships and fieldwork. Virtual learners may need to fulfill limited on-campus requirements. Students benefit from online services such as tutoring in various subjects.
The institution reports a 91% acceptance rate. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
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
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
- Bradenton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is a public college offering both in-person and online undergraduate and graduate programs. Distance learners choose from a catalog of 52 online degrees in a variety of liberal arts and professional education fields.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the institution boasts expert professors with real-world experience. The college's programs blend classroom learning with practical experience such as internships. Degree-seekers enjoy online services like academic tutoring. Some remote programs require limited on-campus residencies, but most require no face-to-face components.
Competitive tuition and financial aid help make education affordable. Students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Enrollees receive an average financial aid award of $5,189.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
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
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Jacksonville University, a private school, delivers 113 undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. Enrollees receive a rigorous education in the liberal arts and professional studies. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Online programs blend classroom theory with practical experience such as local internships and practicums. Catering to busy working professionals, most of the university's online programs require no on-campus visits. Distance learners receive online assistance such as tutoring, academic advising, and career services.
The institution accepts about 78% of applicants. The same affordable, flat-rate tuition applies to all online learners regardless of their residency status. Prospective students can consult with the school's office of financial aid to learn about reducing degree costs.
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Additional Schools
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.
Average Undergraduate Tuition in Florida
Location |
Public Four-Year College |
Private Four-Year College |
Public Two-Year College |
In-State |
$9.349 |
$32,769 |
$3,377 |
Out-of-State |
$27,023 |
N/A |
$8,126 |
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.
Career and Salary Outlook
Career |
Median Annual Salary |
Projected Growth Rate (2020-2030) |
Petroleum Engineers |
$137,330 |
8% |
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
$151,150 |
11% |
Financial Managers |
$134,180 |
17% |
Sales Managers |
$132,290 |
7% |
Marketing Managers |
$142,170 |
10% |
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.