For students across the country, earning a degree from a reputable college or university is a huge step towards a brighter future. There’s no question that earning a college degree opens up opportunities unavailable to people who only have a high school diploma. Whether you’re looking to take the next step forward professionally, develop a new skill set, or simply improve the community that you live in, getting an advanced degree through one of the best online colleges in Florida can help you make huge progress towards that goal. Considering the state of Florida specifically, hundreds of colleges and universities offer degrees in every possible interest area imaginable. Students can pursue a degree in anything that they’re passionate about, improving the world with increased understanding and working proficiency.
However, despite the many opportunities to earn a degree in a traditional manner, there are many, many talented and capable students that don’t have the capacity to attend a university in the traditional way of taking classes on campus.Thousands of motivated individuals are already working full time or are limited by special circumstances or geographic area so as to not be able to attend classes on campus. Others just want to finish school at a faster pace than offered on campus. Whatever your reason for not wanting or not being able to attend college courses on campus, you shouldn’t be limited in your educational opportunities.
With the increasing availability of online schooling, you are no longer limited by geographic area or special circumstances. You can earn a degree on your own time, at your own pace, and in any place you choose across the country. Many, many colleges and universities in the sunshine state offer quality education through thousands of degrees online. The only challenge now is to find the best fit for your interests, financial situation, and professional goals. With that in mind, take a look at the following list of the top 25 online colleges in the state of Florida ranked by the total number of online programs offered.
Here are the Best Online Colleges in Florida
1. Florida State University
Over 55% of applicants to Florida State University are admitted each year. The Tallahassee based university is one of the most well-known public universities in the state of Florida and offers great variety in online degrees. With over 50 online programs, students can pursue a degree in anything from Nursing to Risk Management and Insurance. The school hosts more than 45,000 students on an annual basis and provides quality education at an exceptionally affordable price. Online students can also claim representation by one of the best athletic programs in the nation with consistent national success in a number of different sports.
- 50 Online Programs
- 78% Graduation Rate
- $4,640 Tuition
- 95% of Students Receive Some Type of Financial Aid
2. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida sits at the top of this list due to its impressive variety of online options combined with its dedication to providing student services to all of its 16,000 students, traditional or not. Saint Leo offers 48 different online programs and offers services like tutoring, technical support, and peer mentoring to all online students. Online students have the choice of completing programs at any level from certificate programs to doctoral degrees. Although not particularly inexpensive, 99% of students receive some type of financial aid at Saint Leo.
- 48 Online Programs
- 45% Graduation Rate
- $21,600 Tuition
- Founded in 1889
3. Nova Southeastern University
One of a few schools on this list located in Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University was established in 1964 and currently hosts 24,000 current students. Although Nova Southeastern does offer several completely online programs, the university offers added flexibility with the option for online students to also attend one its many regional campuses. At these campuses, students can interact with peers and communicate with main campus professors via video conferencing technology. Another great offering by the school is the ability to start classes at any of six times throughout the year.
- 48 Online Programs
- 43% Graduation Rate
- $27,660 Tuition
- Evening and Weekend Classes Available
4. University of Florida
As the oldest university in the state, the University of Florida- Gainesville has helped thousands upon thousands of students to achieve their higher education goals. The school boasts an impressive 85% graduation rate and is one of the most accessible institutions in terms of tuition cost. The 47 online programs include many open online courses that anyone can take regardless of enrollment status. The University of Florida offers online degrees at all levels and even offers four international online programs. At an annual tuition cost of $6,313, UF provides perhaps the very best value on this list.
- 47 Online Programs
- 85% Graduation Rate
- $6,313 Tuition
- 46% Acceptance Rate
5. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida is a public university serving over 60,000 students located in Orlando, Florida. One huge benefit of completing an online degree with UCF is that the school pairs each online student with Student Success Coach. UCF employs a variety of online and mixed on campus and online options for students. Students have a range of options from completely online degrees to partially in-class instruction to completely face-to-face education. For adults that already have some college credits, but lack those sufficient for an actual degree, UCF is a great option. As a partner with Complete Florida, the university assists people with some credits to earn their degree.
- 43 Online Programs
- 70% Graduation Rate
- $6,368 Tuition
- 11 Regional Locations
6. Florida International University
Florida International University is the only public research university in Miami and was founded in 1965. FIU is another school on this list that offers great resources in student services to all online students. For those looking to fast track their education, FIU is a great option as many of the 42 online programs can be completed in as little as a year. FIU is also unique in its offering of Mass Open Online Courses which are free, condensed college courses available to anyone willing to simply invest the time of learning.
- 42 Online Programs
- 54% Graduation Rate
- $6,497 Tuition
- Over 54,000 Current Students
7. Baptist College of Florida
The Baptist College of Florida is a private institution in Graceville, Florida that was established in 1943. The school has a pronounced focus on preparing future Christian leaders and providing students with a quality education based on its strong Christian values. This university offers several completely online courses, but also provides the option of studying at one of several off campus instructional sites. Online courses at this school are asynchronous allowing students to complete coursework at any time.
- 42 Online Programs
- 58% Graduation Rate
- $10,200 Tuition
- Core curriculum includes biblical and theological studies
8. Keiser University
This Fort Lauderdale based university takes a unique career-focused approach to online schooling. Keiser University was initially founded in 1977 to assist adult learners in advancing their professional lives. Now, the university provides its more than 20,000 students with online options and 18 distance learning sites to support the busy schedules of working students. Online students also have access to career preparation services including resume preparation, job interview coaching, and professional development workshops.
- 42 Online Programs
- 60% Graduation Rate
- $16,936 Tuition
- 49% Acceptance Rate
9. Lynn University
Boca Raton, Florida is home to Lynn University. Apart from its top-tier educational offerings, this university is widely recognized for its athletic prowess having won 23 national championships in various sports. This school hosts a smaller student population of just over 3,000 but hosts students from over 100 different countries. For online students looking to get their degree quickly, Lynn University provides accelerated terms. The university is also dedicated to providing a technology-enhanced learning experience with the core curriculum based on iPads.
- 34 Online Programs
- 40% Graduation Rate
- $35,400 Tuition
- 23 NCAA Division II Championships
10. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a University based in Daytona Beach. The school does have an obvious emphasis on its aeronautical science and aerospace engineering programs but also offers more than 30 other areas of study more commonly found in non-specialized colleges. For online students, Embry-Riddle provides the ability for video or audio-streamed classes in real time. Another unique option for online students from Embry-Riddle is some programs offering combined graduate work which would allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s in just five years.
- 30 Online Programs
- 55% Graduation Rate
- $8,040 Tuition Cost
- 92% of Students Receive Financial Aid
11. Hodges University
Hodges University in Naples, Florida is another university that offers online options for degrees at all levels. Students can pursue associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees in areas like psychology, digital design, management, and information technology among others. Hodges’ UPower is also a huge benefit offered by the school to highly motivated students. UPower allows you to complete courses at the pace you dictate and offers a cost cap no matter how many classes you end up taking.
- 26 Online Programs
- 29% Graduation Rate
- $3,000 for 6 months unlimited course access with UPower
- 15:1 Student-Professor Ratio
12. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
The State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota offers a range of options for students either online or on campus. Students can choose from courses completely online, a combination of online and on campus classes, or technology-enhanced face-to-face instruction at any of its three different campuses. Since 1957, SCFMS has helped 27,000 students annually progress their education as well as an additional 14,000 individuals participating in professional development and personal enrichment classes.
- 22 Online Programs
- 31% Graduation Rate
- $4,206 Graduation Cost
- 47,000 Graduates since 1959
13. Everglades University
Everglades University is another school based in Boca Raton, but also has campuses in Sarasota, Orlando, and Tampa. This university goes to great lengths to support students with a variety of student services for online degree seekers. Students studying online have access to free online tutoring, technical support, and the university’s online library. Online students also benefit from state-of-the-art virtual classes that include interactive lessons and live chats on top of the normal class schedules and electronic lesson plans. Students both online and on campus are also assigned an academic advisor to guide their education and future career plans.
- 18 Online Programs
- 58% Graduation Rate
- $16,000 Tuition
- 15-16 Women’s Choice Award for One of America’s Best Colleges
14. Southeastern University
Although Southeastern University was originally established in New Brockton, Alabama, it was since moved to Lakeland, Florida still providing education to students all over the country. Southeastern University is another faith-based university and even offers an online degree in ministerial leadership. The base of faith, learning, and service established by the university is further supplemented by access to an online chapel and online tutoring provided by SEU. Southeastern University accepts around 44% of applicants and 79% of students receive some type of financial aid.
- 17 Online Programs
- 42% Graduation Rate
- $22,202 Tuition
- Offers Credit for Work Experience
15. Florida Institute of Technology
The Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida is the only independent technological university in the Southeast. As such, FIT offers impressive online education options over an engaging platform. Online students can improve their learning through live chats with professors, discussion boards, and student forums. Online programs in areas like Business, Information Systems, Criminal Justice and Liberal Arts are provided through 8-week terms 100% online. All online colleges are offered through a partnership with University Alliance.
- 15 Online Programs
- 55% Graduation Rate
- $37,990 Tuition
- 62% Acceptance Rate
16. Broward College
Broward College is an extremely affordable college based in the Fort Lauderdale area. Not only is the tuition cost already much more affordable than other private and state universities, but Broward also offers many courses with zero cost for textbooks online. Broward College also supports online students with a unique approach to financial aid, an online library, technical support, and access to required software for free. Online programs include things like Nursing, Information Technology, and Management among others. Broward College is a perfect option for online students looking for a great education at a better value.
- 14 Online Programs
- 32% Graduation Rate
- $2,542 Tuition
- 27:1 Student-Professor Ratio
17. Florida Atlantic University
With the main campus in Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University also has campuses in six other locations including Dania Beach and Fort Lauderdale. FAU provides a number of online programs through several different colleges. In 2015-2016, more than a quarter of total graduates came from the business college. Many online courses offered by FAU are also business related including four different bachelor’s in Business Administration with a variety of specific concentrations. Apart from business, FAU also offers programs in the areas of Social Inquiry, Education, Nursing, and Engineering.
- 12 Online Programs
- 46% Graduation Rate
- $4,831 Tuition
- Over 30,000 Total Students
18. Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University, in Fort Myers, Florida, is one of the youngest schools in this list. However, despite the university having been established less than 20 years ago, the school has already helped over 23,000 individuals on to graduate. In its second semester ever as a university, Florida Gulf Coast began its online distance learning program and has continued the tradition ever since. FGCU offers degrees at certificate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels in things like criminal justice, physical therapy, and planning. With affordable tuition and a nearly 60% acceptance rate, FGCU is an accessible university to students of all walks of life.
- 11 Online Programs
- 49% Graduation Rate
- $6,118 Tuition
- Established in 1998
19. Northwood University
Northwood University is a specialized business school located in West Palm Beach. Students at Northwood University have the flexibility of completing their degrees 100% online or through a blended approach of online and on campus classes. Degrees offered from Northwood include Accounting, Aftermarket Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Healthcare Management. Online students can begin classes during Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters with two start dates in both Spring and Summer.
- 10 Online Programs
- 42% Graduation Rate
- $21,950 Tuition
- 40% Acceptance Rate
20. Daytona State College
Daytona State College in Daytona Beach has been offering online degrees schooling since 1996. The institution has grown over the years to offer seven different campus locations on top of the over 300 online courses offered. Daytona State has offerings of online certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Subject areas include technology, management, and engineering. 81% of students at Daytona State receive some type of financial aid on top of an already affordable tuition cost.
- 9 Online Programs
- 40% Graduation Rate
- $3,134 Tuition
- Over 100 Different On Campus Degree Programs
21. Trinity College of Florida
Trinity College of Florida, located in Trinity, Florida is a college with a biblical foundation focused on creating a tightly-knit community between students and professors. With a nine to one student to teacher ratio, students at Trinity College get more intimate and personalized instruction from experienced faculty members. Online students complete their degree through the TrinityQuest program. Through this program, students can either complete 5-week courses by attending classes one evening a week or complete all coursework online.
- 9 Online Programs
- 32% Graduation Rate
- $13,860 Tuition
- Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education
22. Warner University
The very first commencement ceremony at Warner University in 1972 celebrated just four graduates. Since then, the school has grown significantly currently hosting nearly 1,500 students pursuing degrees in one of more than thirty areas. With this growth came the availability of fully online degrees offered by the university. Online students can pursue degrees in areas such as business administration, educational studies, healthcare management, and transformational Christian ministry.
- 9 Online Programs
- 38% Graduation Rate
- $18,966 Tuition
- Adult, Graduate, and Online Students have an average age of 37
23. University of Miami
Despite being one of the most well-known universities in the state, the University of Miami is fairly limited in its online offerings. With that said, the school which hosts nearly 17,000 students annually does offer seven fully online master’s degrees. Students can pursue degrees in Finance, Accounting, and Sports Administration among others. Although, top notch programs, they do come at a hefty price with a tuition cost of over $45,000.
- 7 Online Programs
- 81% Graduation Rate
- $45,600 Tuition
- 73% of Students Receive Financial Aid
24. Pensacola State College
Although Pensacola State College’s main location sits in its namesake Pensacola, Florida, the college also offers five other locations. Pensacola is another extremely affordable university, sitting in the top 1% of most affordable colleges in the nation. The community college currently hosts more than 26,000 students and has 6 online programs available to students unable to attend one of the campuses. Associate’s degrees include areas like Accounting Technology and Business Management.
- 6 Online Programs
- 33% Graduation Rate
- $2,704 Tuition
- Founded in 1948
25. Adventist University of Health Sciences
The Adventist University of Health Sciences is an Orlando university focused on providing a Christ-centered education and preparing professionals to extend health care services in a representation of the healing ministry of Jesus. The university is sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and has a partnership with Florida Hospital, one of the largest medical facilities in the world. ADU offers five different online programs in health sciences fields like Nursing, Allied Health, and Health Administration.
- 5 Online Programs
- 50% Graduation Rate
- $12,430 Tuition
- 9:1 Student-Professor Ratio
This list is an incredible resource for anyone in Florida or anywhere in the country looking at pursuing a degree online. Each of these Florida schools was primarily evaluated and ranked based on the number and variety of online programs with additional the considerations of tuition cost, options for flexibility, and graduation rate.
We know that finding the best school for your unique situation and interests can be a difficult task. That’s why we’ve evaluated thousands of school based on the factors most important to you. For more information about our evaluation and ranking system, as well as other lists that were ranked by the factors most important to you, see our methodology page.
If you’re looking at starting or continuing your college education online, check out any of these great schools on our list. If your school isn’t listed here, please reach out to be featured on a future list!
Sources:
http://www.onlinecolleges.net/florida/
http://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/florida/