The thought of going to college in Florida probably inspires visions of sunny skies, white sand beaches, and palm trees. And if you have to study, why not do it in the land of eternal sunshine?
Florida is not only home to famed theme parks and sporting events, but to some of the most prestigious universities in the nation, as well as a robust and affordable college system. There are, in fact, plenty of reasons to think about attending one of Florida's many colleges or universities.
Related: Top Online Schools in Florida
What kind of college in Florida should you attend?
Going to school in Florida is a great option, but looking for the perfect college is always a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack – and Florida is a pretty darn big haystack. The state is home to 12 public universities, 6 major medical schools, and many private colleges and universities that vary in size, structure and setting. That might sound overwhelming, but we at College Choice have you covered with our easy-to-navigate ranking.
You'll find that this list offers a wide variety of different types of schools. Some are large state schools, while others are regional institutions. Some are religiously affiliated, and others boast specialty services. All in all, you can't go wrong with any of these Florida-based colleges.
Recommended Undergraduate Degree Programs
How much money can you make with a degree from a college in Florida?
First, let's start with the best news. In addition to being home to some of the preeminent universities in the nation, Florida also boasts some of the most consistently cheap post-secondary tuition rates in the U.S. The state sits 45th among the 50 states for tuition costs, making it a highly affordable place to learn. And while affordable tuition is a good thing, it only represents a part of Florida's deep commitment to higher education.
And here's even more good news. A college degree in Florida is guaranteed to move you forward financially. In fact, according to Payscale.com, people with a bachelor's degree in Florida make around $53k to $61k each year. That number goes up dramatically for individuals with an advanced degree. Earning an online degree is the perfect way to start!
What can you do with a degree from a college in Florida?
Are you still stumped on the age-old question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Do you need some guidance? Here's some help. Florida is currently booming in GDP from these top industries:
Tourism
Agriculture
Aerospace and Aviation
If you're planning on living in Florida after you graduate, maybe consider a career in one of these three areas. You'll be essentially guaranteed a job post-graduation. The schools on this list are some of the best in the country. Why not pursue a state-supported career at a nationally-recognized institution?
The Best Colleges in Florida
To help you make your decision, we've done the hard work of weighing a series of factors, which are all weighted equally: reputation as measured by U.S. News and World Report, tuition costs, average financial aid packages as measured by IPEDS, and expected early career earnings of graduates as measured by Payscale. All schools on this list are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and many have additional accreditations from other bodies as well. We hope this list helps you find the school you're looking for!
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
