Best Online Colleges in Florida

Known for its theme parks and white-sand beaches, Florida is also home to some of the most affordable colleges in the country — many of which offer online programs. Online colleges in Florida include major research institutions like the University of Florida, along with smaller state universities and private liberal arts colleges.

As an online learner, you can access career counseling and alumni connections to help launch your career after graduation. Use this guide to learn more about Florida’s online colleges and universities.

As you might already know, not all online colleges in Florida offer high-quality degrees. You can separate the best Florida online colleges from the rest by checking their accreditation status.

Accreditation involves a multistep process that includes satisfying many eligibility requirements and undergoing evaluation by an outside agency.

Research whether schools that interest you hold institutional accreditation from a reputable agency, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. To qualify for federal financial aid, you must attend a school accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Simplify your search for Florida online universities by exploring its various cities’ offerings. The advantages of attending a local online school in Florida include qualifying for hybrid programs and making professional connections within your community.

Florida offers some of the most affordable college options for in-state residents. Its rate of $4,540 for a public, four-year, in-state school is less than half the national average of $9,596. Even Florida’s average private school rate is more than $4,000 a year lower than the national average, and its two-year colleges typically average about half the cost of a public, four-year school.

If you plan to attend a Florida college, however, you need to budget for more than tuition and fees. Living expenses like groceries, rent, transportation, and insurance still need to be paid while you are earning your degree. Many online students choose distance learning to continue earning a living while enrolled.

You don’t have to cover all your educational expenses out of pocket, however. Federal financial aid can help. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine what you may qualify to receive.

In addition to federal financial aid programs, Florida residents can access financial assistance from private organizations, individual universities, and their state. Popular scholarships for Florida-based students include the following:

Florida has more open jobs than people looking for work, but the state faces a skills shortage as many job-seekers are not trained for the fast-growing, high-wage jobs that are quickly becoming part of Florida’s economic landscape.

Long dependent on tourism, the Sunshine State has diversified its economy, becoming a leader in technology, research, and development. Although the state grapples with high outmigration and a shortage of affordable childcare, Florida’s manufacturing industry is also growing fast, and its housing market is starting to stabilize.

With the proper education, job-seekers can find employment, housing, and educational opportunities in a high-income state known for world-class beaches, entertainment, and cultural diversity.

Florida’s healthcare, technology, and climate-related industries are booming with business. If you are an advanced practice professional in healthcare, hold a degree in computer science or a related field, or have a good head for installing Green energy devices, then your skills are in high demand across the southeasternmost state.

With its high population of retired Americans, Florida is a hotspot for medical professionals. The top-paying careers in the Sunshine State are nearly all in healthcare-related professions. If being a surgeon, doctor, or therapist does not seem right for you, consider that Florida’s business executives also earn high salaries.

Florida features 40 public colleges and 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.

Online colleges and universities in Florida are not generally tuition-free institutions. However, you may apply or qualify for enough financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and fellowships, to cover the cost of attendance and even help with living expenses while in school.

If you are a dependent student and your parent or legal guardian is a Florida resident, you are also considered a resident. However, if you are an independent student, which means you provide 50% or more of your own support, then you must have lived in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months to qualify for state residency.

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.

Choose an online college in Florida by using data-derived lists like ours to research accredited institutions and compare what they offer with your needs. Once you have narrowed your options, be sure to talk to your advisor about how much financial aid you can get and the support you will receive when launching your new career after graduation.