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Best Online Colleges In Florida Of 2024

September 30, 2024

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Universities and colleges across the country have made education more accessible than ever with online learning. Online colleges make schooling more feasible for prospective students with work or other commitments. They also offer reduced travel requirements and, in some cases, even cost savings.

But with dozens of online colleges in Florida, choosing the right school may prove challenging. To make that process a little easier, we put together a list of the 10 best online Florida colleges offering bachelor’s programs. We highlight what makes each school special and how each online campus approaches its programs. We also offer some tips for making the best school decision.

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_{Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the}_{National Center for Education Statistics}_{, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.}

_{Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide}
_{52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings}
_{All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis}
_{Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking}
_{Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded}

_{Our Methodology}

_{We scored 85 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online bachelor’s degree programs in Florida using 16 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process. We pulled the data for these categories from reliable resources such as the}_{Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System}_{; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.}

_{We scored schools based on the following categories:}

_{Student Outcomes:}

_{Overall graduation rate}
_{Median earnings 10 years after graduation}
_{Pell Grant recipient graduation rate}
_{Retention rate}
_{Pell Grant graduation rate vs. overall graduation rate}

_{Affordability:}

_{Average annual net price for students receiving federal aid}
_{Median federal student loan debt}
_{Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment}
_{Percentage of students who take out federal loans}

_{Student Experience:}

_{Student-to-faculty ratio}
_{Socioeconomic diversity}
_{Program being ranked has 100% coursework available online}

_Credibility:

_{Fully accredited}
_{Nonprofit status}

_{Application Process:}

_{Acceptance rate}
_{Uses Common App}

_{We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 80.03% or higher. All of the schools on our final list offer at least five online bachelor’s degree programs.}

_{Find our full list of methodologies}_here_.

University of Florida

Undergraduate Tuition

$129/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

97%

Overall Graduation Rate

88%

Editor’s Take

The University of Florida (UF) traces its origins back to 1853 with the East Florida Seminary. In 2014, the Gainesville, Florida, school established UF Online with more than 20 online bachelor’s programs and over 10 minors. Online majors include anthropology, environmental management, sport management and criminology, among many others.

At UF Online, you can study full time or part time and take breaks from your studies when you need.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Online Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Notable Online Programs: BS in microbiology and cell science, BS in advertising: persuasive messaging
Notable Scholarships Available: Presidential Scholarships, Benacquisto Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: No

Florida State University

Undergraduate Tuition

$180/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

94%

Overall Graduation Rate

80%

Editor’s Take

Founded in 1851, Florida State University (FSU) is based in Tallahassee, Florida, and is the oldest university in the state. The school offers more than 270 programs, including six online bachelor’s options. For its online students, FSU provides online mentoring and access to a well-equipped virtual computer lab.

Though most programs run entirely online, some courses may feature in-person requirements.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Online Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Notable Online Programs: BS in criminology, BS in public safety and security
Notable Scholarships Available: Partner Promise Scholarship, Vires Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: Some mixed online and in-person courses

University of South Florida

Undergraduate Tuition

$105/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

92%

Overall Graduation Rate

72%

Editor’s Take

Founded in 1956 in Tampa, Florida, the University of South Florida (USF) enrolls more than 50,000 students. As one of nearly 37,000 undergraduates, you can choose from over 200 programs, including seven online bachelor’s degree completion options.

While most classes in these programs run online, practicums, internships and clinical requirements may require in-person attendance. Online students pay a $30 distance learning fee per credit.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Online Enrollment Options: Half time, three-quarters time, full time
Notable Online Programs: BA in criminology, BSAS in public health
Notable Scholarships Available: USF Foundation Scholarships, Future Entrepreneur Endowed Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: Some in-person field experiences may be required

University of Central Florida

Undergraduate Tuition

$105/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

92%

Overall Graduation Rate

72%

Editor’s Take

Since its founding in 1963, the University of Central Florida (UCF) has become one of the largest schools in the nation with more than 68,000 students. The school boasts more than 240 programs, including over 30 fully online bachelor’s programs.

UCF’s online classes provide an immersive experience and may help learners accelerate their studies. Online students pay an $18 distance learning fee per credit, but they save over $30 per credit in other fees compared to on-campus students. UCF is situated in Orange County, Florida.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Online Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Notable Online Programs: BS in lifestyle community management, BS in health informatics and information management
Notable Scholarships Available: UCF Pegasus Scholarship, Provost Award
In-Person Requirements: No

Florida International University

Undergraduate Tuition

$3,432/semester credit (full time, in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

90%

Overall Graduation Rate

65%

Editor’s Take

When Florida International University (FIU) opened in Miami, Florida, in 1972 with over 5,500 students, it was the largest school opening in the nation’s history. FIU has since grown tenfold, enrolling over 56,000 students today and still standing as one of the country’s biggest schools.

To better accommodate learners from all over, FIU introduced online learning in 1998 and now offers over 50 online bachelor’s programs. Online learners work with success coaches from the start, and some programs offer career readiness training. Online students should note a distance learning fee of $30 per credit.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Online Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Notable Online Programs: BS in public policy and service, BA in international relations
Notable Scholarships Available: First-Year Merit Scholarships, First Generation Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: No

The University of West Florida

Undergraduate Tuition

$219/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

83%

Overall Graduation Rate

52%

Editor’s Take

Established in 1963 in Pensacola, Florida, the University of West Florida (UWF) offers more than 110 program options. As one of over 13,000 students, you have a choice of more than 20 online bachelor’s programs, each with multiple start dates and flexible study schedules.

If you register as an out-of-state student, UWF charges higher tuition rates, but you may qualify for a tuition waiver to pay the same rates as Florida residents.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Online Enrollment Options: Full time, three-quarter time, half time, less than half time
Notable Online Programs: BS in clinical lab sciences, BS in health sciences
Notable Scholarships Available: Pensacola Pledge Scholarship, Pace Presidential Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: No

Florida Atlantic University

Undergraduate Tuition

$203/credit (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

82%

Overall Graduation Rate

61%

Editor’s Take

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) first opened in 1964 in Boca Raton, Florida. The school now has six campuses and over 30,000 students in more than 170 programs, including eight online bachelor’s programs. As a distance learner at FAU, you may major in public management, geography, computer science or nursing, among other options.

Depending on their path, FAU students may qualify for the Programs of Strategic Emphasis waiver, which reduces tuition costs for Florida residents.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Online Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Notable Online Programs: BS in computer science, BS in geosciences
Notable Scholarships Available: FAU Memorial Scholarship, Alumni Legacy Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: No

The Baptist College of Florida

Undergraduate Tuition

$420/credit

Overall Student Retention Rate

84%

Overall Graduation Rate

62%

Editor’s Take

Founded as the Florida Baptist Institute in 1943 in Lakeland, Florida, the Baptist College of Florida (BCF) took up its current home in Graceville, Florida, in 1957. Nearly 70 years later, the school offers just under 20 programs in total, all of which you can complete online. At BCF, you can pursue majors in the categories of general education, business, music and worship, teacher education and theology.

While you can take your program courses entirely online, you must attend chapel 12 times per semester at minimum.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Private
Application Fee: $25
Online Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Notable Online Programs: BA in elementary education, BA in business leadership
Notable Scholarships Available: Florida Baptist Scholarship, Black Multicultural Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: May be required

Florida Southern College

Undergraduate Tuition

$340/credit

Overall Student Retention Rate

82%

Overall Graduation Rate

61%

Editor’s Take

Originally founded in Orlando as the South Florida Institute in 1883, Florida Southern College (FSC) remains the oldest private college in the state. Now in Lakeland, Florida, the school offers online programs from three academic divisions.

At FSC, you can build a personalized schedule and accelerate your program if you want. The four available online degrees accommodate working professionals with fully online schedules or a blend of online and evening and weekend classes.

As an online learner, you pay less than half the on-campus tuition rates. You also pay a lower technology fee, which costs between $30 and $120 per semester, depending on your course load.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
School Type: Private
Application Fee: Free
Online Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Notable Online Programs: BS in accounting, BS in business administration
Notable Scholarships Available: Prestige Scholarships, Hollingsworth Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: In some programs

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Undergraduate Tuition

$2,277/semester (in state)

Overall Student Retention Rate

83%

Overall Graduation Rate

55%

Editor’s Take

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) has been educating learners for over 100 years and now offers fully online degrees in a primarily asynchronous format. Online students can take advantage of synchronous opportunities to build community with their instructors and peers.

FAMU’s bachelor’s-level online offerings include six majors in criminal justice, global security and international affairs, information technology, psychology, nursing and sociology. Psychology majors can pursue either a BA or a BS.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $25
Online Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Notable Online Programs: Bachelor of criminal justice, BA in global security and international affairs, BS in information technology
Notable Scholarships Available: Elizabeth Benacquisto Scholarship, Distinguished Scholars Award
In-Person Requirements: No

Should You Enroll in an Online College in Florida?

Online colleges in Florida often offer flexible delivery formats, which may allow you to maintain your current job or keep up with your busy schedule while completing your degree. Plus, you might save money by reducing travel and accommodation expenses.

But online programs also require a particular skill set, including self-motivation and time management—especially if your program is asynchronous. To thrive in this type of learning environment, you must stay organized and on task without the oversight or peer accountability found in a traditional classroom.

When deciding whether online college makes sense for you, think about your scheduling and learning style needs. If you require something more interactive and structured than asynchronous online classes can provide, consider synchronous, hybrid or in-person classes instead.

Best Online Colleges By State

Accreditation for Online Colleges in Florida

Just as with traditional colleges, students must ensure their online schools hold institutional accreditation. If your college or university is not properly accredited, you may be ineligible for federal student aid, credit transfers and graduate school. Moreover, some employers do not recognize unaccredited degrees.

Institutional accreditation also serves as a quality assurance marker, signaling to prospective students that a school meets or exceeds stringent standards for faculty quality, student resources and graduate outcomes.

Institutional accreditation comes from organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The most common institutional accreditor for Florida colleges is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

How To Find the Right Florida Online College for You

Consider Your Future Goals

Your chosen online school should help you meet your career and academic goals. Choose a college or university that offers a degree in your desired field and, if applicable, a specialization or minor in your particular area of interest. Some schools emphasize hands-on experience and networking opportunities, which can bode well in your eventual job search.

If you plan to attend graduate school after earning your bachelor’s, prioritize research-based universities with programs that fulfill the prerequisites for the graduate degree you want to pursue. You might even look for an undergraduate university that also offers your desired grad degree to make the transition a bit easier.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Compared to national averages, Florida’s college students pay relatively low tuition rates. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Florida’s in-state public school students paid $4,541 in tuition and fees for the 2020-21 year, while out-of-state students paid $18,322. Private school students paid $28,860.

Comparatively, the national averages were $9,375 for in-state public school students, $27,091 for out-of-state public school students and $32,825 for private school students. For a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, annual tuition prices for the schools on this page fall between $3,152 and $12,600—significantly lower than Florida’s statewide averages. This indicates that the best online colleges in Florida offer a particularly strong value.

To help fund your degree, you can start by completing the FAFSA, which puts your hat in the ring for federal student aid, including loans, grants and work-study programs. You can also pursue scholarship opportunities through your chosen school and third-party organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Florida Colleges

Can you do online college in Florida?

Yes. For this ranking, we evaluated 85 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities in Florida that offer online bachelor’s degrees.

How much is online college in Florida?

Online Florida colleges vary in price depending on the school and program. For our top 10 picks, tuition ranged between $105 and $420 per credit. Online students may also incur technology or distance education fees.

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Doug Wintemute – Education Writer

For nearly a decade, Doug Wintemute has specialized in helping students and professionals make sound education and career decisions. In addition to Forbes Advisor, his work has been featured on many online publications, including ZDNet, Bankrate and NurseJournal.