8 Best Colleges In Florida

Chipola also has college credit certificate programs as well as workforce development certificates. One of the reasons it ranks so well is due to
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Updated January 31, 2023

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From access to the best beaches in the country—a perfect way to end a week of midterms—to warm weather that allows class to be held outside under palm trees and a warm sun, Florida college life has a lot to offer. And it has even more to offer if you are looking to get a degree in oceanography, maritime studies, aeronautics, engineering, ecology, and more, in which studying in Florida provides hands-on opportunities and access to some of the biggest and best organizations, research centers, and corporations in the country.

What kind of College in Florida should you attend?

But you're not just going to choose a college because of its proximity to the beach, right? There's more to it than that! 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.

We've picked out the top-ranking Florida schools based on affordability above all else. Who says you can't find a quality education for the right price tag? 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. But rest assured, all of these schools have been selected to fit your budget. 

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How much money can you make with a degree from a College in Florida?

In addition to being home to some of the preeminent universities in the nation, Florida also boasts some of the most consistently affordable tuition rates in the nation. 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.

By selecting an affordable undergraduate education, a 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.

What are the Most Affordable Online Colleges in Florida?

The trends are clear: attending college or university is increasingly and exponentially expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. Many schools are committed to making an undergraduate or graduate degree an affordable option for their students.

Below are the top ten most affordable colleges and universities located in the Sunshine State. The tuition rates alone make attending college a possibility for almost anyone who desires it, and most of these schools offer additionally financial aid by way of scholarships, fellowships, and loans.

But these are not just the most affordable colleges and universities; some of these schools are also the best, being regionally, nationally, and globally ranked. Whether you want to study fire science technology at Chipola College in Marianna or jazz studies at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, the schools below have something for everyone. Our information comes from PayScaleU.S. News & World Report, U.S. Department of Education, and the universities and colleges’ websites.

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 8 Best Colleges In Florida

Chipola College

  • Marianna, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Degree-seekers can choose from 37 degrees at Chipola College. The Marianna campus offers in-person classes, and the school also welcomes 1,041 distance learners to its online programs. With many options, degree-seekers can find a program to meet their educational goals.

Tuition rates vary depending on the degree type and enrollment option. Scholarships and grants help learners cover costs with less debt. Many of the school's programs also accept transfer credits, allowing degree-seekers to save money and time on their degree.

Chipola College at a Glance:

Undergraduate Yearly Tuition In-State: $2,365

Undergraduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: $8,195

Graduate Yearly Tuition In-State: Unknown

Graduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: Unknown

Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 84%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded per Student: $5,406

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,365
Out-of-state
$8,195
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,939
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 8 Best Colleges In Florida

Lake-Sumter State College

  • Leesburg, FL
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Lake-Sumter State College welcomes degree-seekers to 30 programs in popular fields. The school offers classes on its Leesburg campus and online, with 2,478 learners choosing an online format. With many options, degree-seekers can find a program to fit their unique interests and career goals.

Tuition rates vary depending on the program enrollment and degree level. Learners can apply for scholarships and grants to lower the net cost of their degree. The school's transfer credit policy allows degree-seekers to meet graduation requirements with prior college experience.

Lake-Sumter State College at a Glance:

Undergraduate Yearly Tuition In-State: $3,232

Undergraduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: $13,336

Graduate Yearly Tuition In-State: Unknown

Graduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: Unknown

Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 86%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded per Student: $5,122

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,232
Out-of-state
$13,336
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,872
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
51% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 8 Best Colleges In Florida

Florida Atlantic University

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

Florida Atlantic University offers 222 subject areas in its degree-granting programs. Today, 14,613 learners enroll in online classes at the school, while more choose in-person options on the Boca Raton campus. Learners can find a program to reach their professional goals.

Tuition rates vary depending on the number of credits and degree level. Students can qualify for federal financial aid programs, including the Pell Grant, at the accredited institution. Those with prior college experience can use transfer credits to meet graduation requirements.

Florida Atlantic University at a Glance:

Undergraduate Yearly Tuition In-State: $2,522

Undergraduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: $14,374

Graduate Yearly Tuition In-State: $5,467

Graduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: $16,695

Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 82%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded per Student: $10,629

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
81%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
30,061
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 8 Best Colleges In Florida

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

  • Tallahassee, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

At Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, degree-seekers can select from 96 subject areas for their program. The school enrolls learners on its Tallahassee campus and also welcomes 2,713 distance learners to the student body. Degree-seekers can find a program that fits their budget, schedule, and career goals.

Tuition varies depending on the student's circumstances. Loans, scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid are available to help learners cover tuition. Many of the school's programs also accept transfer credits, letting degree-seekers take some basic courses at other institutions.

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University at a Glance:

Undergraduate Yearly Tuition In-State: $3,152

Undergraduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: $14,524

Graduate Yearly Tuition In-State: $8,019

Graduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: $22,108

Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 95%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded per Student: $8,392

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,152
Out-of-state
$14,524
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,019
Out-of-state
$22,108
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
9,626
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
28% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 8 Best Colleges In Florida

Florida Gulf Coast University

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

Florida Gulf Coast University meets the needs of diverse students by offering 86 programs. The Fort Myers campus offers in-person programs, while the school also enrolls 7,120 learners in its online programs. With many program options, students can find the best fit for their unique needs.

The college varies tuition based on degree level and type. Learners qualify for federal financial aid programs, including the Pell Grant, at the accredited institution. The school's generous transfer credit policy also helps degree-seekers save time and money.

Florida Gulf Coast University at a Glance:

Undergraduate Yearly Tuition In-State: $4,191

Undergraduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: $22,328

Graduate Yearly Tuition In-State: $6,974

Graduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: $28,170

Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 77%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded per Student: $6,305

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,191
Out-of-state
$22,328
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,974
Out-of-state
$28,170
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
14,977
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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