Though the reasons to attend school in Florida are innumerable (beaches, weather, outdoor recreation), there are as many reasons to enroll in an online bachelor or master's program at one of Florida's many universities and colleges.
There are literally hundreds of colleges, universities, and health and technical institutions in the Sunshine State, many of which offer whole degree programs that can be attained through a fully online education, recognizing that many of their students do not reflect the experience of the "traditional student."
What kind of online degree in Florida should you get?
First off, you've chosen a great platform for your education: online learning! So many students these days are now working professionals, veterans, and single parents, and with the change and growth in distance learning the stigma of earning a degree online has dropped precipitously.
Furthermore, many colleges and universities do not even formally differentiate between a degree earned on campus and an online degree. So, whether you wish to complete your program fully online or to do a hybrid program—one that combines both on-campus and distance learning—there are many great reasons to consider it.
How much money can you make with a degree from an online college in Florida?
Let's clarify something right off the bat: the difference in salary between someone who attended a "traditional" college and someone who attended an online college are nil. Each degree is equally valid in the eyes of a future employer.
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 are the requirements for an online college in Florida?
At College Choice we strongly emphasize doing the same amount of research for online programs as you would a traditional program. There are many advantages to taking classes online, completing a distance education degree, or enrolling in a hybrid program.
But you will still want to connect with admissions counselors. Inquire about what resources and services are available to you as an online student, ensuring you will receive similar if not equivalent support as traditional students. And be sure the program you enroll in is accredited by a recognized agency.
Recommended Online Degree Programs
What are the Best Online Colleges in Florida?
Below are the best online programs offered by Florida universities and colleges. We have collated the average credit hour cost, the amount of financial aid students receive, the academic reputation of the university, and PayScale's average early career salary for the school's graduates, and have thus arrived at, hands down, the state's best online programs. And, clearly, "best" for us means reputation, but also affordability, return on investment, and accessibility. Our information comes from PayScale, U.S. News & World Report, U.S. Department of Education, and the universities and colleges' websites.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Florida
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners seeking flexible online study should consider the University of Florida. Presently, the institution boasts 68 online degree programs, reaching 24,310 distance learners across the globe.
Undergraduate students can choose from 19 online bachelor's programs, and graduate students can select one of 42 online master's programs. Distance learners join a supportive online learning community, connecting with fellow classmates and faculty through a virtual classroom setting. Students can individualize their studies through course electives, degree minors, and experiential learning opportunities like internships. Enrollees can also access institutional resources such as career services and academic advising, to receive academic and career guidance.
To discuss admission requirements, degree eligibility, and other information, prospective students should meet with the admissions office. Enrollees can connect with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities to make their education more affordable. According to the institution, 92% of all incoming enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Florida
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
- Daytona Beach, FL
- 4 years
- Campus
Distance learners seeking a flexible online education should consider Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach.
After enrolling, students join a supportive online learning community where they connect with classmates and faculty through a virtual classroom setting. Students benefit from a well-rounded education, completing foundational and advanced classes. Enrollees can receive guidance through career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.
Applicants should consult the admissions office to discuss degree requirements and application materials. Eligible enrollees can receive internal and external funding to defray the costs of education. An average of 95% of all enrollees are awarded financial aid during their studies.
Percent Online Enrollment
1%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Florida
Florida Institute of Technology
- Melbourne, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida Institute of Technology is a wise choice for learners seeking flexible online study. The school supports 605 distance learners across 12 online degree programs.
A leader in online education, the college offers 12 online master's programs. Upon enrolling, students connect with faculty, colleagues, and staff through a virtual classroom environment. Distance learners complete general education and advanced coursework, satisfy curriculum requirements, and can pursue experiential learning opportunities relevant to their field. Students can also benefit from personal and professional development by connecting with academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
Prospective enrollees can meet with the Office of Admissions to discuss admission requirements, application materials, and other information. Students seeking to defray educational costs can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. Of all enrollees, 93% receive financial aid awards.
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Florida
Palm Beach Atlantic University
- West Palm Beach, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in West Palm Beach, Florida, Palm Beach Atlantic University supports a variety of online degree programs. Students can choose from one of five online degree programs and join its 899-person online learning community.
Students can choose from four online bachelor's programs and one online master's program. Enrollees benefit from a supportive online learning community, and connect with classmates, faculty, and staff through a virtual classroom setting. While enrolled, students gain industry-relevant knowledge through coursework, internships, and other learning opportunities. The college can connect enrollees with academic advising, career services, and other learning resources.
Interested applicants can schedule a meeting with the Office of Admissions to discuss application materials, admission requirements, and other information. Eligible students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid towards their learning expenses. Approximately 100% of all enrollees receive financial aid awards.
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Florida
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Central Florida offers a variety of online degree programs suitable for a variety of learners. Students can choose from one of 47 remote degree programs when beginning their studies.
Undergraduates can choose from one of 19 online bachelor's programs, with graduate students benefiting from 26 online master's program tracks. Students receive support throughout their studies, learning alongside peers in a virtual classroom environment. While enrolled, students complete industry-relevant coursework, with the option to pursue internships, research projects, and other learning opportunities in preparation for their future career. Students also receive guidance from academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Students seeking to apply should connect with the financial aid office or their program of interest to learn about degree requirements, application materials, and other information. Eligible students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid toward tuition and other educational expenses. The college reports that 92% of learners receive some form of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Florida
Saint Leo University
- Saint Leo, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Saint Leo University is a private college, supporting online degree options from its main campus in Saint Leo, Florida. Presently, the institution boasts 72 online degree programs, reaching 7,873 distance learners across the globe.
The school supports 22 online bachelor's programs and 27 online master's programs. Students attend lectures and complete coursework through a virtual classroom environment, alongside classmates and faculty. Through coursework and experiential learning opportunities, students gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their industry of choice. A leader in student success, the college connects students with academic advising, career services, and other success-oriented resources.
Prospective students can discuss admission requirements and degree eligibility with the Office of Admissions. Based on eligibility, students can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. The institution reports that 100% of enrollees benefit from some form of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Florida
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Nova Southeastern University is a wise choice for students seeking flexible online study. Distance learners can connect with 9,298 online students across 113 online degree programs.
The school supports 10 online bachelor's programs and 46 online master's programs. Students attend lectures and complete coursework through a virtual classroom environment, alongside classmates and faculty. While enrolled, students complete industry-relevant coursework, with the option to pursue internships, research projects, and other learning opportunities in preparation for their future career. Enrollees can receive guidance through career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.
Interested applicants can schedule a meeting with the Office of Admissions to discuss application materials, admission requirements, and other information. To defray the costs of education, students can speak with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. On average, 100% of enrollees receive financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Florida
Keiser University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Keiser University offers a variety of distance learning opportunities across numerous programs. Presently, the institution boasts 65 online degree programs, reaching 9,207 distance learners across the globe.
Undergraduates can enroll in one of 24 bachelor's degree programs, with graduate students benefiting from 15 online master's degree programs. Students attend lectures and complete coursework through a virtual classroom environment, alongside classmates and faculty. While enrolled, students complete industry-relevant coursework, with the option to pursue internships, research projects, and other learning opportunities in preparation for their future career. Enrollees can also access institutional resources such as career services and academic advising, to receive academic and career guidance.
Prospective students can discuss admission requirements and degree eligibility with the Office of Admissions. At the college, 89% of all enrollees receive financial aid awards, to offset educational costs. The institution reports that 89% of enrollees benefit from some form of financial aid.
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Florida
Barry University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Barry University, located in Miami, Florida, guarantees flexibility through its online degree programs. Distance learners can choose from 21 online degree programs and join its 1,208-person online learning community.
Of these online programs, five are bachelor's programs and 12 are master's programs. Students benefit from a supportive learning community, while connecting with colleagues and faculty through a virtual classroom environment. Distance learners complete general education and advanced coursework, satisfy curriculum requirements, and can pursue experiential learning opportunities relevant to their field. Students can also benefit from personal and professional development by connecting with academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
Prospective students can schedule an appointment with the admissions office to inquire about degree requirements and application materials. Students seeking to defray educational costs can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. The institution reports that 100% of enrollees benefit from some form of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
16%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Florida
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges