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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
These rankings include
#1 Best Online Colleges in Florida
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
Students attending the University of Florida can choose from online and in-person academic programs. In addition to delivering on-campus programs from its campus in Gainesville, the public school offers 22 online programs. The institution delivers online resources, such as tutoring, for its online learners.
Online enrollees can develop professional connections with classmates and professors using the virtual classroom environment. Online programs require both general education and field-specific classes, helping learners gain hard and soft skills. Students consult with academic advisors before registering for classes. Enrollees can complete research projects, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities to gain practical skills.
The financial aid office can help applicants understand funding options and minimize student debt. Students should submit the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid.
#2 Best Online Colleges in Florida
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for a premier online education? Consider Florida State University. Busy students with personal or professional responsibilities often pursue one of the public institution's 17 online programs. Online learners often save money by living in areas with lower costs of living while attending school.
Virtual learning environments provide opportunities for enrollees to connect with professors and peers. Research opportunities help participants bolster their resume and develop practical skills. Academic advisors help learners choose courses that align with their professional goals, customizing the curriculum to their needs.
If they demonstrate financial need, degree-seekers may qualify for federal scholarships, grants, and loans. Financial aid officers provide information about options students can use to fund their education, such as scholarships and fellowships. The school reports that 97% of enrollees receive financial aid of some kind, which can help them fund their degree.
#3 Best Online Colleges in Florida
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Enrollees interested in pursuing online programs can consider the University of Central Florida’s high-quality distance options. The school's online programs meet the same academic standards as its in-person programs. Busy students often benefit from the flexibility of online learning.
Enrollees connect with classmates and faculty members through a virtual classroom environment. Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, allow degree-seekers to gain practical skills in their field. Academic advisors provide support and guidance for online students throughout their program. Career resources include job fairs, career workshops, and resume assistance, which help learners prepare to secure a position in their field.
Students should budget for living expenses and program fees, in addition to tuition. Before enrolling, applicants should consider the overall cost of earning a degree and can receive detailed information from an admissions counselor. Enrollees can reduce the financial burden of higher education by applying for scholarships and grants.
#4 Best Online Colleges in Florida
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Enrollees who plan to study online can pursue a variety of excellent remote programs from the University of South Florida. Many of the school's 24,241 online learners save money on transportation and housing costs. Along with working professionals, students with children often pursue online learning because of the increased flexibility it offers.
Enrollees can connect with peers and instructors through group projects, virtual office hours, and online discussion boards. Degree-seekers can collaborate with classmates or faculty members on research projects that contribute to their field. Students can access academic advising to ensure they remain on track to graduate. Career resources include job fairs, career workshops, and resume assistance, which help learners prepare to secure a position in their field.
Online students may need to pay an additional technology fee. Before enrolling, applicants should discuss full program costs with an admissions counselor. Eligible enrollees can benefit from internal and external funding opportunities to help lower the total cost.
#5 Best Online Colleges in Florida
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
With exceptional flexibility for busy learners, Florida International University's online programs are ideal for working professionals. Although the school's campus is in Miami, students can attend its 67 online programs from anywhere. The institution delivers remote programming to 39,863 online enrollees.
The school fosters a strong online learning community, featuring collaborative opportunities. While enrolled in their online program, participants can connect with classmates using tools such as videoconferencing. Students can pursue internships and research projects to enhance their resume while completing their program. Online learners can access academic and professional resources to benefit their studies. Enrollees can take advantage of career services and networking opportunities to prepare to secure a job after graduation.
Federal financial aid programs can help students afford higher education. Along with providing information about institutional funding, the school's financial aid office can help learners explore additional funding options, such as third-party scholarships. To help pay for their educational program, 90% of enrollees receive financial aid, according to the institution.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.