With 162 degree-granting institutions statewide, Florida ranks fifth among the 50 states for its amount of colleges. Prospective students may choose from public and private institutions, junior colleges, for-profit schools, and accredited online colleges in Florida. While these schools offer degrees and majors in every subject, certain fields of study are more prominent in the Sunshine State.
Many online colleges in Florida offer tourism and hospitality degrees to prepare students for careers in one of Florida’s largest industries. With 135 million tourists visiting Florida annually, it’s a promising field for recent graduates entering the workforce.
Students can also pursue degrees in the state’s other major industries, including agriculture, international trade, aviation, life sciences, and financial services. Thanks to Florida’s many postsecondary institutions, many graduates find work in education and academic research.
This guide can help each prospective student choose a program that aligns with their budget, lifestyle, and career goals. Read on to learn more about the best online colleges in Florida, potential job paths for graduates, and how to pay for a degree through scholarships and other tuition breaks.
Featured Online Programs
A Brief Overview of Higher Education in Florida
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Florida is fifth only to California, New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania in its number of colleges and universities. Of these institutions, 41 public schools include 40 four-year universities and one community college. The state is also home to 57 private, nonprofit postsecondary schools. Fifty-three nonprofit schools are four-year institutions. In addition, Florida maintains 60 for-profit postsecondary schools.
in 2013, Florida had 158 degree-granting institutions
- 41 public
- 57 non-profit
- 60 for-profit
NCES data reveals that in 2022, 999,223 students attended classes at one of these institutions. While each school charges different tuition rates according to institutional policies, enrollment status, and state of residence, examining average costs can help prospective degree candidates develop a budget.
College Board estimates that in-state students enrolled at public four-year institutions spend an annual average of $11,260, while those enrolled at public two-year institutions pay an average of $3,990 per year. University of Florida, one of the state’s flagship universities, charges $3,876 per year for in-state online students and $16,580 for out-of-state learners.
Fortunately, students and their families can reduce out-of-pocket costs by attending online colleges in Florida. Learners can pursue degrees at Florida’s many affordable online colleges that charge below-average tuition rates. Additionally, many degree candidates receive federal or state financial assistance. During the 2021-22 school year, 138,979 students received the Florida Student Assistance Grant. The state also awarded more than $665,000,000 in scholarships and grants not based on need.
Additionally, many degree candidates receive federal or state financial assistance. During the 2021-22 school year, 138,979 students received the Florida Student Assistance Grant. The state also awarded more than $665,000,000 in scholarships and grants not based on need.
The State of Online Higher Education in Florida
As of 2019, Florida claims 1,066,78 higher education students. Of these learners, about 37% take at least one class through online colleges in Florida. Florida ranked 17th in the country for its proportion of students enrolled exclusively in online programs, with about 21% of its enrollees pursuing distance education.
Best Online Colleges in Florida
Explore our rankings of Florida’s best online four-year programs below. Our profiles look at how schools approach accredited online education and list their services for distance students and fully online degrees. After reviewing the best online schools in Florida, explore our state resources, like a database of every college and university in Florida or our index of popular in-state scholarships.
| Rank | School Name | School Logo | City | Cost | Address & Contact Info | School Links | Acclaim for Online Programs | School Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville | $$$$$ | 1 UNF Drive Jacksonville, FL 32224 (904) 620-1000 | School Website | UNF's online degrees and professional certificates function offer expedited and traditional options. Online learners can pursue a bachelor of education, bachelor of science, bachelor of science in nursing, or bachelor of health administration. Fully virtual degrees include undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Students can partner with local agencies to complete their final projects. While all the undergraduates enrolled in online programs complete 16-week semesters, learners in the RN-to-BSN program study in accelerated 6-8 week terms. Most online bachelor's degrees require 60 credits, except the 30-credit RN-to-BSN program and the 53-credit bachelor's in nutrition and dietetics degree. The university's online student success coaches assist with admissions and navigating the college experience. Enrollees can also schedule tutoring, UNF Writing Center consultations, and meetings with the career services center. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State | $175-$212 Out-of-State | $655-$693 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, Council on Social Work Education, Council for Standards in Human Service Education, and more | ||
| 2 | AdventHealth University | Orlando | $$$$$ | 671 Winyah Drive Orlando, FL 32803 (407) 303-7747 | School Website | AHU's online educational programs, which have operated since 2001, prepare graduates for healthcare positions that incorporate the ministry of Christ. Online learners can pursue certificates, along with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university's Department of Nursing offers online programs in nursing, including a master of science and a doctor of nursing practice. The department also features graduate certificates in nursing administration and nursing education. Online learners can pursue a bachelor of science, a master's in health administration with a focus on strategy and innovation, a graduate certificate in healthcare administration, and a dual master's in business administration and health administration. AHU also offers an online bachelor of science degree in imaging sciences. Additionally, its workforce development certificates provide online professional development in cybersecurity, project management, and physical therapy. AdventHealth Orlando, the university's hospital servicing Orlando and central Florida, provides an ideal setting for practical experience. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 121-124 Cost per Credit: In-State | Out-of-State | $555-$670 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation:American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, and others | ||
| 3 | State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota | Bradenton | $$$$$ | PO Box 1849 Bradenton, FL 34206 (941) 752-5000 | School Website | SCF's online bachelor's programs provide an affordable pathway to associate degree-holders. This public college, based in Bradenton, Florida, mostly offers career-ready associate degrees in business administration, fire science technology, and radiography. Online learners can receive transfer guarantees to colleges in the Florida State University System through the State Articulation Agreement. Degree-seekers complete self-paced and on-demand online coursework. With an accredited associate degree, SCF's bachelor's degree-seekers can graduate in 18-24 months. SCF offers bachelor of applied science degrees in health services administration, management and leadership, and public safety and emergency management. The school also offers bachelor of science degrees in education and nursing. SCF also offers more than 30 workforce certificates. Students can also complete Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development Division online courses. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State| $102-112 Out-of-State| $387-$442 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Commission on Dental Accreditation, Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, and more | ||
| 4 | Jacksonville University | Jacksonville | $$$$$ | 2800 University Blvd N. Jacksonville, FL 32211 (904) 256-8000 | School Website | JU offers one online bachelor's degree and several master's degrees. This private university, founded in 1934, features an online 12-month RN-to-BSN program and master's degrees in health sciences, business, and fine arts. It takes 30 credits to earn an RN-to-BSN degree from the Keigwin School of Nursing, which boasts 40 years of history in nursing education. This part-time online program features expedited seven-week courses. Nursing students can train in neonatal and geriatric care at the Simulation Training and Applied Research Center with twenty lifelike mannequins. JU's available online degrees also include an RN-to-MSN program and a standalone master of science in nursing degree. Students can also enroll in an online master of science in health informatics. JU offers academic support through virtual tutoring, including peer tutoring. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State | Out-of-State $325-$1,560 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Commission on Dental Accreditation, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association | ||
| 5 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton | $$$$$ | 777 Glades Rd Boca Raton, FL 33431 (561) 297-3000 | School Website | FAU's online programs provide scheduling flexibility with self-paced coursework and no set class times. Online students also get the option to enroll in on-campus courses. Fully online learners complete weekly assignments and check in through video conference calls. Coursework also requires papers and online discussion boards. New online learners receive admission every 12 weeks. Seven schools and colleges at FAU offer 17 online undergraduate degrees and certifications. Students can also enroll in online master's degrees such as public safety administration, business administration, social work and criminal music, computer science, nursing, and geosciences. As a National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement participating institution, students can enroll in online degrees from any state in the compact. According to FAU, about 68% of graduates find job placement. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State | $203 Out-of-State | $722 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: American Psychological Association, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, and more | ||
| 6 | Lynn University | Boca Raton | $$$$$ | 3601 N. Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33431 (561) 237-7000 | School Website | Online learning at Lynn, recognized as an Apple-distinguished school since 2014, includes a complimentary iPad rental. International students, who comprise about 16% of the student body, must supply their own computers. Lynn offers 18 online undergraduate degrees, including in aeronautics, business management, conservatory of music, and education. By choosing three-year accelerated degrees, students can reduce their college expenses. There are no fast-track options for music, education, or bachelor of fine arts degrees. Lynn undergraduates independently complete asynchronous coursework at their own speed. Students can start online degrees three times a year. Programs require 120 credits, including a core curriculum focused on self and society, justice and civic life, and belief and reason. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State | Out-of-State $375-$575 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, International Accreditation Council for Business Education, National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation | ||
| 7 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee | $$$$$ | 1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Tallahassee, FL 32307 (850) 599-3000 | School Website | FAMU's online degrees allow students to choose from live and online learning options. This HBCU in Tallahassee, Florida, offers 13 online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Online undergraduate students can pursue bachelor's degrees in criminal justice, global security and international affairs, information technology, psychology, nursing, or sociology. Each program follows a mostly asynchronous format with varying graduation requirements. Bachelor's degree-seekers complete 120 credits in lower-division and upper-division coursework. The transfer-friendly online RN-to-BSN program only requires completing 30 credits at FAMU. Enrollees in the school's bachelor's in psychology can choose from bachelor of science or bachelor of arts programs. According to FAMU's enrollment data from 2011-2021, full-time fall retention rates reached 89.9%. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State | $151-$455 Out-of-State | $549-$1,097 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, Council on Education for Public Health, Council on Social Work Education, American Bar Association, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education | ||
| 8 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale | $$$$$ | 3300 S. University Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328 (800) 541-6682 | School Website | NSU online programs offer a convenient pathway to undergraduate and graduate degrees to students in Fort Lauderdale and beyond. Online learners can choose from more than 15 full online degrees. The private university first offered a doctoral distance learning program in 1972. At the undergraduate level, online enrollees can study criminal justice, child development, computer science, education, or human services. Online degrees require students to attend live class lectures, participate in discussion forums, and submit assignments digitally. Distance education also affords the same opportunities as traditional learners to join student organizations, library resources, and academic advising. NSU offers students financial aid to help with the cost of college. As of the fall 2021 semester, this university awarded more than $220 million in scholarships. About 93% of its undergraduate students receive scholarships and/or grants to help cover tuition. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State | Out-of-State $407-$478 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education, Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, American Psychological Association, and more | ||
| 9 | Florida International University | Miami | $$$$$ | 11200 S. W. 8 Street Miami, FL 33199 (305) 348-2000 | School Website | FIU Online offers a large selection of 130 degrees and programs. This public university in Miami, Florida, has offered online learning for over 20 years. Every year, FIU Online educates around 37,000 students. Undergraduates can study 53 majors, including anthropology, computer science, criminal justice, hospitality, nursing, and sociology. FIU Online also offers 46 master's degrees. Online learners complete courses in eight-week or 16-week semesters. FIU ranks among the top three highest-scoring universities in the State University System of Florida. The university reports that median wages for graduates at all system institutions as of June 2023 range from $34,900-$54,800 for a 19% increase in the last five years. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State | $236 Out-of-State | $649 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Programmatic Accreditation: Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, and more | ||
| 10 | Ana G. Mendez University | Orlando | $$$$$ | 5575 South Semoran Blvd Orlando, FL 32822 (407) 867-3677 | School Website | Enrollees can study online at AGMU, a hispanic serving institution with campuses in Orlando, South Florida, Miami Lakes, and Tampa Bay. The online degrees and programs at AGMU include associate, bachelor, and master's degrees, and one doctoral program. The university offers programs in Spanish, English, or bilingual formats. Online majors at the associate degree level include forensic investigation, paralegal studies, and web design. Bachelor degree-seekers study subjects such as accounting, graphic design, liberal arts, and nursing. AGMU hosts local career fairs and information sessions to help students find employment. Florida employers partner with AGMU to hire graduates. Partner employers include Miami Jewish Health, AdventHealth, and Easter Seals Florida. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120-123 Cost per Credit: In-State | Out-of-State $395-$695 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students
Some Florida-based universities offer tuition breaks for non-resident learners. For example, Florida State University – Panama City provides a special rate for Alabama and Georgia residents who live within 50 miles of the Florida state line. Schools in these or other states may offer similar benefits to Florida residents.
Florida also participates in the Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market. This program allows students in 15 southeastern states to access qualifying programs at participating colleges for in-state rates. Programs can be graduate or undergraduate but must not be offered at a public college in the student’s home state.
One other Florida-specific tuition break is the grandparent waiver. Created in 2021 by the Florida legislature, this program provides a tuition and fee waiver for up to 110% of total degree hours for qualifying undergraduate students who reside with their grandparents in Florida. Recipients must attend four-year public colleges in the state.
Job Opportunities in Florida for College Graduates
The third-largest state in the U.S., Florida ranks fourth from the top in annual gross domestic product, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Driven by its natural beauty, acclaimed theme parks, and flourishing healthcare industry, Florida’s economy continues to accelerate. Tourism, healthcare, therapy, and business technology are all top-growing industries in the Sunshine State, bringing new jobs to state residents. In March 2024, the BLS reported that Florida’s unemployment rate stood at 3.2%, lower than the national average of 3.8%.
According to World Population Review, 30.5% of the state’s adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The Florida Department of Education reports that in 2021, people with a bachelor’s degree earned between $51,500 and $65,300, considerably higher wages than high school graduates, who averaged $30,680 in annual income.
Scholarships and Financial Aid in Florida
First Generation Matching Grant Program
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: Varies
At least one of the applicant’s parents must not hold a college degree to qualify. Candidates should also be Florida residents planning to enroll at an in-state postsecondary school.
Arts for Life!
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000
For eligibility, applicants must be graduating Florida high school seniors who demonstrate artistic talent. Each candidate submits an essay for consideration.
Joan Cain Florida Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000
An applicant must be a college-bound Florida high school senior with a 2.5 GPA and active membership in the Florida Quarter Horse Youth Association to qualify.
Kantner Foundation Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $2,000-$3,000
This award is open to academically outstanding high school seniors who are full-time Florida residents. Recipients can attend public or private school or be homeschooled and must submit transcripts and an essay.
The American Legion, Department of Florida General Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $2,500
This scholarship is open to graduating Florida seniors with a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent in the American Legion.
José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $2,000
Qualifying candidates or their parents must have been born in Mexico or a Hispanic South American country. Learners should also demonstrate minimum GPAs of 3.0 GPA and financial need.
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: Varies
Graduating high school seniors should be Florida residents who have graduated from a college preparatory track in a Florida high school and must enroll in at least six college credits each term.
Rosewood Family Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT $6,100
The Rosewood Family Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who attend Florida’s state colleges, community colleges, and public technical schools. It is open to full-time enrollees whose ancestors were affected by the January 1923 Rosewood massacre.
Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship Program
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: Full Tuition and Fees
Each applicant should be farmworkers or farmworkers’ children, attend a public Florida postsecondary school, and complete 30 community service hours to qualify for this program.
Access to Better Learning and Education Grant Program
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT Varies
This grant is awarded to Florida residents who are enrolled in eligible, in-state private colleges or universities but do not hold bachelor’s degrees.
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