The Sunshine State is a great place to attend college — even if it's online. In fact, an online college may lend you the flexible schedule you need to spend time on Florida's white-sand beaches.
Online colleges in Florida provide excellent educational opportunities to residents and nonresidents alike. Online Florida universities offer many of the same advantages as on-campus schools, such as career advising, library services, and institutional financial aid programs.
Why Consider Online Colleges in Florida?
- Enrolling in a Florida online college gives you the flexibility to balance school with work and family.
- Many online programs run asynchronously, letting you schedule lessons around your other responsibilities.
- Online students do not need to relocate to enroll in the most affordable program in Florida.
- You can save money by not paying for campus housing or a meal plan.
- Florida schools offer you the same online degrees available to on-campus learners.
- Online bachelor's degrees in Florida qualify you to enroll in online or on-campus graduate programs.
- Some online colleges in Florida feature start dates throughout the year.
Did You Know?
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that Florida's top 10 best-paying jobs require a college degree as of May 2021. -
Florida had only a 2.7% unemployment rate in October 2022, indicating a strong job market for recent college grads and experienced professionals. -
The University of Florida Online offers bachelor's degrees in seven career fields, such as communication and public safety. -
Professional or life experience may let you skip some classes and graduate sooner than your peers. -
Online Florida universities use different admissions pathways for veterans, adult learners, and homeschooled students.
Explore Our Featured Online Programs
Top 5 Online Colleges in Florida
Read About Our Methodology Here
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#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: 120
The University of Florida (UF) isn't just a prestigious research institution in the state — it is also one of the best online colleges in the Sunshine State. Dating back to 1853, the University of Florida has an enrollment of over 55,000 students and offers 24 online undergraduate majors.
Some of the most popular online degrees at UF include business administration, nursing, computer science, public relations, and psychology. To apply, you must hold a high school diploma or GRE and submit official high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores.
#2 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649
Credits to Graduate: 120
Established in 1965, Florida International University (FIU) is a public research institution that serves over 56,000 students. FIU ranks among the state's best online colleges, and its on-campus programs are also exemplary. Some of FIU's most popular online options include programs in business, marketing, homeland security, and computer and information sciences.
As a distance learner attending FIU, you have access to a long list of student services, including online tutoring, tech support, academic advising, and mental health services. You must hold a high school diploma or equivalent to apply. You must also submit SAT/ACT scores.
#3 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $105
Out-of-State | $452
Credits to Graduate: 120
Established in 1956, the University of South Florida (USF) is a Tampa-based public institution that enrolls nearly 50,000 degree-seekers. Alongside traditional campus-based programs, USF offers a modest list of standout online degree-completion programs in areas such as criminology, criminal justice, public administration, and public health.
While you complete upper-division coursework online, some of USF's online programs require an in-person clinical or practicum. In addition to online academic support, you can access virtual health education and 24/7 virtual mental health care.
#4 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 | $616
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is an expansive public institution that serves over 63,000 students. In addition to its main Orlando campus, UCF offers a robust catalog of online degree options, including more than 20 undergraduate degrees. Some of the school's online bachelor's degrees include areas like anthropology, criminal justice, history, and nursing.
In order to apply to UCF online, you must submit a $30 application fee, official high school transcripts, and SAT/ACT scores. While not required, UCF does encourage applicants to submit an admissions essay.
#5 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $162
Out-of-State | $577
Credits to Graduate: 120
Founded in 1961, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a public research institution with a main campus in Boca Raton. In addition to its sizable on-campus population, FAU enrolls more than 5,000 entirely online students. FAU offers diverse online academic options, including majors in public management, public safety administration, nursing, and computer sciences.
As an online student at FAU, you can access a long list of student support services, including a writing center, online tutoring, 24/7 tech support, and virtual counseling services. You can apply online and must include SAT/ACT scores and high school transcripts.
#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
Established in 1963, the University of West Florida is a Pensacola-based public institution with an enrollment of more than 13,000. Alongside this school's campus-based programs is a comprehensive list of online undergraduate degree options.
Online undergraduate programs include accounting, criminal justice, global hospitality, human resource management, and public health. In addition to quality academic programming, UWF offers online a number of virtual resources, including library access, tutoring, and career development.
#7 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $765
Out-of-State | $765
Credits to Graduate: 120
Keiser University is a Fort Lauderdale-based institution that dates back to 1977. This private university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is home to a sizable catalog of online degrees. Some of the school's most popular undergraduate online options include fields like nursing, psychology, business analytics, and criminal justice.
Undergraduate applicants must provide Keiser with verification of high school graduation or proof of GED completion. As you work through the admissions process, you attend a virtual open house and meet with an admissions counselor before applying.
#8 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Ana G. Mendez University
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 120
Ana G. Mendez University (AGMU) is a private Puerto Rican institution that has campuses in multiple U.S. cities, including Conway, Miami Lakes, and Egypt Lake-Leto, Florida. With an enrollment of over 24,000 students, AGMU has a long history of offering quality academics and student support. In addition to its multiple campuses, AGMU offers multiple flexible online programs.
Some of the school's popular undergraduate online options include bachelor's degrees in criminology, business, and psychology, in addition to an RN-to-BSN degree-completion program. Prospective students must supply proof of high school graduation or GED.
#9 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Daytona Beach, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $503
Out-of-State | $503
Credits to Graduate: 120
At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide, students around the globe have access to this storied institution's nearly 100-year history of quality academics and STEM training. Embry-Riddle offers online academic programs in applied science, aviation, business, engineering, space, and computers and technology.
You must submit official transcripts and have a high school GPA of over 2.5 to apply. Additionally, while standardized test scores are not required, the school strongly encourages applicants to submit SAT/ACT scores.
#10 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,150
Out-of-State | $1,150
Credits to Graduate: 120
Established in 1964, Nova Southeastern University is a private research school that's based in Fort Lauderdale. Nova Southeastern serves more than 20,000 students and offers multiple flexible online programs, including degrees in accounting, criminal justice, education, and psychology.
You can apply online or through the Common App. The school's admissions takes high school GPA, standardized test scores, recommendations, interviews, and essays into consideration when making admissions decisions.
How Does Accreditation Work for Online Schools in Florida?
As you might already know, not all online colleges in Florida with attractive websites offer high-quality degrees. You can separate the best Florida online colleges from the rest by checking their accreditation status.
College accreditation involves a multistep process that includes satisfying many eligibility requirements and undergoing evaluation by an outside agency.
Research whether programs that interest you hold institutional accreditation from a reputable agency, such as the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC accreditation shows that a college's online programs offer the same rigor and outcomes as its in-person degrees. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation website lets you explore other agencies' reputations.
The Florida Department of Education also evaluates college accreditation agencies and approves the best ones. Florida recognizes 38 accrediting agencies as of April 2022.
How Much Do Online Universities in Florida Cost?
Online colleges in Florida can help you save money on a degree, especially if you hold in-state residency.
In-state students at two-year public schools paid just over $2,500 per year in tuition and fees in 2020-2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Learners attending public four-year schools spent more for a bachelor's degree.
Expect to pay nearly four times the in-state tuition rate if you lack Florida residency. However, you will still spend less than your peers attending private four-year colleges or universities.
While reviewing these figures, remember that textbooks and other required materials add to your total cost of attendance (COA). Online Florida universities' admissions and financial aid departments can help you determine an exact COA. These professionals can also assist you with filling out the FAFSA.
7 Popular Cities for Accredited Online Colleges in Florida
Simplify your search for Florida online universities by exploring what those in different cities offer. The advantages of attending a local online school in Florida include qualifying for hybrid programs and making professional connections within your community.
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1
Daytona Beach
Nearly 75,000 people called Daytona Beach home in 2021. Daytona State College offers more than two dozen online degree and certificate programs. -
2
Fort Lauderdale
Located on the Atlantic coast, Fort Lauderdale is home to City College just outside the city limits. This private school offers an online bachelor's degree in healthcare administration and many on-campus health sciences programs. -
3
Gainesville
Central Florida residents living in Gainesville benefit from the University of Florida, situated in the heart of the city. You can select from many online undergraduate majors, such as education sciences, geology, and public relations. -
4
Jacksonville
Students in Jacksonville can access many public and private colleges. The city's Florida State College branch offers you more than two dozen online certificates and degrees. -
5
Miami
Situated near Florida's southern tip, Miami hosts City College Miami. This small private school features online degrees in healthcare administration, business, and nursing. -
6
Tampa
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa is home to the University of South Florida. Fully online undergraduate degrees include criminology, public health, and urban studies. -
7
Orlando
Orlando offers much more than Disney World. The city's Columbia College branch lets students explore online majors in seven fields, including accounting and the sciences.
Popular Majors in Florida
Career Opportunities in Florida
Online colleges in Florida can prepare you for one of many careers featuring a high salary and rapid projected growth.
Note that factors such as work experience, education, and geographic location can affect your salary. Also, actual job growth may differ from BLS projections due to unexpected economic developments, such as a recession.
Job | Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) |
---|---|---|
Nurse Practitioners | 71% | $104,830 |
Statisticians | 63% | $83,090 |
Gaming and Sports Book Writers and Runners | 62% | $28,660 |
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | 59% | $53,990 |
Gaming Dealers | 57% | $35,850 |
Gaming Cage Workers | 54% | $28,960 |
Restaurants Cooks | 54% | $31,130 |
Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations | 53% | $80,980 |
Information Security Analysts | 52% | $102,850 |
Physician Assistants | 46% | $104,810 |
Sources: Projections Central, BLS
What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Florida?
Most of the highest-paying jobs in Florida require a medical degree. In 2021, anesthesiologists in Florida earned a median annual salary of $363,570. Unfortunately, you cannot earn this degree online, as becoming a doctor requires intensive hands-on training. However, aspiring chief executives and pilots may explore hybrid programs.
Use your school's enrollment counselors to research which stages of your educational journey online learning may benefit you.
Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) | Education Required |
---|---|---|
Anesthesiologists | $363,570 | First-Professional Degree |
Cardiologists | $359,420 | First-Professional Degree |
Radiologists | $318,530 | First-Professional Degree |
Emergency Medicine Physicians | $313,590 | First-Professional Degree |
Physicians, Pathologists | $251,220 | First-Professional Degree |
Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $249,800 | First-Professional Degree |
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $232,600 | Bachelor's Degree |
Dermatologists | $219,580 | First-Professional Degree |
Psychiatrists | $216,040 | First-Professional Degree |
Chief Executives | $215,050 | Bachelor's Degree |
Source: BLS
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Florida
How long do you have to live in Florida to get in-state tuition?
You must establish residency in Florida for 12 months to qualify. However, Florida denies in-state tuition requests from residents 23 and younger who rely on out-of-state parents or guardians for tuition payments.
You can prove residency to your school by providing one form of accepted documentation, such as vehicle registration, a driver's license, or a voter registration card. Consult your college's admissions department to learn more about other ways to gain in-state student status.
How many colleges and universities are in Florida?
Florida features 40 public colleges and universities offering the best tuition rate to in-state students. The state also hosts 30 private colleges with full accreditation and nonprofit status. Many of these schools offer online and hybrid programs.
Note that these 70 schools do not include private for-profit colleges. Research for-profit schools' accreditations and reputations before enrolling.
What is the cheapest online college in Florida?
Public schools within the Florida College System offered residents the most affordable tuition rate in the 2020-2021 school year. They charged only $72 per credit for an associate degree and $92 per credit for a bachelor's degree. Nonresidents paid $216.
You can lower your COA in many ways, such as by qualifying for federal grants and exploring private scholarships. Both reduce your reliance on student loans and set you up for long-term financial well-being.
Do I need to live in Florida to attend an online college in Florida?
Most Florida university online programs do not require you to live in the state. Hybrid degrees and those qualifying graduates for a Florida state license may restrict applicants to residents. You can determine eligibility for one of these programs by researching colleges' websites or contacting their admissions departments.
What Florida colleges offer online degrees?
Many top private and public online colleges in Florida offer undergraduate and graduate degrees. Online programs use the same admission and graduation requirements as their on-campus counterparts. Benefits such as asynchronous education may let you continue working full or part time while in school.
Research online Florida universities the same way you would on-campus ones. Comparing tuition, offered degrees, and student services can help you make an informed decision.