Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024

Learn about online colleges in Florida, educational costs, and in-demand careers in the Sunshine State.
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Updated February 6, 2024

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The Sunshine State boasts an abundance of higher educational opportunities. Florida is home to over 160 colleges, including 12 public universities, that offer a relatively affordable education. Most of Florida's most prestigious colleges offer online programs to complete your degree from anywhere.

On average, Florida's four-year public colleges charged $4,541 for undergraduate tuition and fees in 2020-2021 — $4,834 less than the national average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Discover more about the online universities in Florida, tuition costs, and how to apply for state scholarships. We'll also walk you through Florida's most in-demand jobs and cost of living.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Explore these promoted online degree programs.

These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.

Online Colleges in Florida

Top Online Colleges in Florida Programs Summary

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
$4,477 $25,694 30%
#2 Florida International University
Miami, FL
$4,721 $16,529 64%
#3 University of South Florida
Tampa, FL
$4,559 $15,473 49%
#4 Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
$2,522 $14,374 78%
#5 University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
$4,478 $19,810 36%
#6 The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL
$3,735 $16,004 53%
#7 Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL
$27,320 $27,320 45%
#8 Baptist College of Florida
Graceville, FL
$11,250 $11,250 100%
#9 Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$20,800 $20,800 96%
#10 Ana G. Mendez University
Orlando, FL
$8,532 $8,532 Not provided

#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: 124

At UF Online, you can earn a bachelor's degree online in one of 24 exciting subjects. Program offerings span from general subjects like business administration and nursing to specialized degrees in fields like sports management and environmental geoscience.

In-state students qualify for rock-bottom tuition rates at just $129 per credit. Students are also eligible for UF's generous financial aid program. Aid offers rise as high as $3,000 per academic year, depending on need.

According to UF's Career Connections Center, 2023 graduates earned an average salary of $69,000 per year. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,477
Out-of-state
$25,694
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,770
Out-of-state
$27,335
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
30%
Students Enrolled
55,781
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $147

Out-of-State | $264

Credits to Graduate: 120

With dozens of online degree programs, FIU Online makes a college education easy, convenient, and cheap. In-state and out-of-state students both qualify for affordable tuition rates, and you can choose from one of 54 subjects to earn your bachelor's in. 

FIU also offers a long list of financial aid options, including grants, work-study programs, scholarships, and loans.

FIU undergrads post impressive academic progress rates. In 2021-22, 89% of first-time students earned GPAs of at least 2.0 and returned to continue their learning.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024

University of South Florida

  • Tampa, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $214

Out-of-State | $577

Credits to Graduate: 120

If you've already got some college credits under your belt, you can enroll in a bachelor's completion program at University of South Florida. You'll be able to complete all your upper-level coursework online. Some programs include mandatory in-person field learning or internship components, which you'll do in person.

Program options include criminology, criminal justice, environmental policy, information studies, public administration, public health, and urban studies. USF also offers a generous need-based in-house scholarship program.

USF graduates tend to enjoy positive outcomes. In 2022, USF placed second among Florida state colleges in post-graduation employment placements.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,559
Out-of-state
$15,473
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,350
Out-of-state
$19,048
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
49,708
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024

Florida Atlantic University

  • Boca Raton, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $203

Out-of-State | $722

Credits to Graduate: 120

At FAU Online, you can earn an online bachelor's degree in your choice of 10 subjects. Most online programs have specialized, career-oriented focuses in areas like business, nursing, and applied sciences. You can also study criminology or geography, or earn a general degree in interdisciplinary studies.

FAU maintains a policy of trying to help every student who needs aid to meet their costs. Financial aid programs also include scholarships and programs for helping students buy books. FAU has beat its own four-year graduation rate goals for first-time undergrads every year from 2012-20. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,522
Out-of-state
$14,374
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,467
Out-of-state
$16,695
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
30,155
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 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 | $105

Credits to Graduate: 120

If you're looking for rewarding study opportunities with affordable price tags, UCF Online might make a strong match. In addition to low tuition rates, UCF students also enjoy access to both internal and external scholarship programs.

Among UCF's 30 fully online bachelor's programs, the school highlights anthropology, criminal justice, and psychology as especially popular. 

Students thrive at UCF: Academic progress rates among first-time students matched or exceeded the school's goals every year from 2016-21.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,916
Out-of-state
$25,759
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
70,310
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
9% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#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: 120-132

UWF Online offers a diverse lineup of flexible, 100% online bachelor's programs. Offerings span 19 areas in fields including business, criminal justice, education, health, nursing, and technology.

If you need help paying for college, UWF awards scholarships based on academic achievement, financial need, and unique talent. As an online student, you'll enjoy full access to database and library resources, tech support, tutoring, and writing labs.

There's also a lot to like about UWF's student outcome trends. In 2023, UWF posted excellent scores in statewide studies measuring median salaries, student retention rates, and high-impact learning practices.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,735
Out-of-state
$16,004
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,088
Out-of-state
$22,166
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
13,288
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024

Southeastern University

  • Lakeland, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $200-$399

Out-of-State | $200-$399

Credits to Graduate: 120

Southeastern University can help you advance your learning goals at any education level. The school offers everything from associate to doctorate degrees online, including 14 programs at the bachelor's level.

As a Christian college, SEU features multiple online programs with religious and ministerial focus. You can also earn an online degree in business, communications, construction technology, criminal justice, digital design, education, human services, nursing, psychology, or tourism management.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$27,320
Out-of-state
$27,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,000
Out-of-state
$12,000
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
45%
Students Enrolled
9,365
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024

Baptist College of Florida

  • Graceville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $420-$520

Out-of-State | $420-$520

Credits to Graduate: 117-130

At Baptist University of Florida, you can complete any undergraduate major or degree at the school entirely online. BUF groups programs in categories including business, music and worship, teacher education, and theology. You'll enjoy excellent self-scheduling flexibility thanks to asynchronous classes that run on weekly schedules.

Beyond affordable tuition rates, BUF helps students by providing scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment opportunities.

BUF students post strong program completion rates. From 2016-20, students completed their programs at rates 35% higher than targets set by the IPEDS Outcome Measures program. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,250
Out-of-state
$11,250
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,500
Out-of-state
$4,500
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Students Enrolled
446
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
94% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024

Keiser University

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Academic Year:

In-State | $22,936

Out-of-State | $22,936

Credits to Graduate: 120

Keiser University features career-oriented, 100% online programs in areas like business, health sciences, legal studies, and technology. You can also earn an online degree in criminal justice, homeland security, public administration, and other specialized areas. Notably, the school also features an online interdisciplinary studies degree delivered entirely in Spanish.

You can apply for aid through Keiser's financial services office. Aid offerings include scholarships, grants, loans, and a unique student refund program for qualified students. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$20,800
Out-of-state
$20,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$29,632
Out-of-state
$29,632
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
19,861
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024

Ana G. Mendez University

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $190-$395

Out-of-State | $190-$395

Credits to Graduate: 120-126 

You can pursue your choice of 15 online bachelor's degrees at AGMU Online. The school's lineup of online bachelor's programs emphasizes practical, career-oriented subjects in business, technology, health, and nursing. You can also pursue studies in areas like organizational development and public relations.

With a flexible and agile online learning model, AGMU delivers a valuable e-learning experience focused on efficiency and educational quality. The school's financial aid programs are mainly need-based and require at least half-time enrollment.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,532
Out-of-state
$8,532
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,760
Out-of-state
$5,760
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
5,150
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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Price Check

About 65% of the Sunshine State's high school graduates enroll in state colleges to begin their education. The state offers 12 public universities with $85 billion annual operating budgets.

Cost of Living in Florida

According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Florida ranks as the 31st most affordable state in the nation — making the state a place where college students can typically lower their cost of living.

Students can also find discounts or share costs on everyday living expenses, such as housing, transportation, and groceries. Keep in mind that the cost of living varies from city to city. For instance, what you pay for room and board in Miami differs from Orlando.

Average Cost of Living in Florida
Cost of Living Category Average Price
Monthly Mortgage $1,618
Monthly Rent $1,348
Monthly Electricity Bill $130
Monthly Grocery & Food Costs $324
Annual Transportation Costs $5,477
Annual Healthcare Costs $7,676
Source: SoFi

Florida Scholarships

Scholarships are an ideal way to fund your education and reduce student debt. Online students can often apply for the same scholarships as on-campus students. We've found five scholarships for Florida students to get you started.

The 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs in Florida

Many of the fastest-growing jobs in Florida include healthcare careers available to a variety of degree holders. For instance, the most in-demand career, a nurse practitioner (NP), is projected to grow by 49.9% in Florida. Becoming an NP requires at least a master's degree or higher.

Another in-demand job is gaming dealers, which should grow by 26.5% from 2022-2030. Gaming dealers only need vocational training, not a college degree. Find more of Florida's in-demand careers in the table below.

Fastest-Growing Careers in Florida 2022-2030
Job Projected Growth Median Annual Wage
Nurse Practitioners 49.9% $101,109
Information Security Analysts 33.1% $100,693
Physician Assistants 31.9% $101,670
Physical Therapist Assistants 27.1% $62,275
Gaming Dealers 26.5% $25,542
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25.9% $102,194
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary 25.0% $71,011
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians 24.8% $36,525
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers 24.7% $28,683
Respiratory Therapists 24.2% $60,528
Source: FloridaCommerce, Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research

Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Florida


What is the cheapest online college in Florida?

According to NCES, the University of West Florida has the most affordable tuition in the state, with an average annual net price of $8,609. That said, out-of-state students at UWF pay more than double per credit hour, except Alabama residents who qualify for out-of-state tuition discounts.

What is the easiest online college to get into in Florida?

Located in Orlando, Florida, Ana G. Mendez University boasts an open admission policy — making it one of the least selective colleges in the state. It takes a high school diploma or GED to get admitted.

AGM offers students a wide variety of online degree programs to choose from — from psychology to nursing to graphic design.

How much does online college cost in Florida?

Online learners in Florida often pay the same amount for tuition and fees as on-campus learners. Although online students may avoid on-campus-related expenses and fees, there may be technology fees related to distance learning.

Some online colleges in Florida offer online students the in-state tuition price, regardless of residency. In fact, some institutions offer discounted tuition rates for distance learners.

Is online college free in Florida?

No, online college is not free in Florida. That said, you may qualify for Florida's tuition and fee exemption program. For example, students of deceased police officers can apply to get a free bachelor's degree through the Florida College System.

Do I need to be a resident of Florida to attend an online college in Florida?

You don't need to live in Florida to attend one of its online colleges. Most online colleges enroll students across the nation — and often around the world. In fact, many online programs remove out-of-state fees for online learners to make distance learning even more accessible.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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