If you’re thinking about earning your degree online in Florida, you’re in good company: The state ranks ninth in the nation for the number of students who take at least one online class during their college careers, according to Bay View Analytics. In fact, the number of students who have taken at least one online college class in Florida has more than doubled since 2019.
Top online colleges in Florida offer numerous benefits for residents, including added convenience, affordable costs, and even the option to enjoy campus amenities and support if you choose a school nearby. Continue reading to learn about the best online colleges in Florida, including the type of programs they offer, how much they cost, and the in-demand careers these institutions can prepare you for.
Top Colleges in Florida for Online Degrees (2024)
What matters to you most when you think about earning your degree? Chances are you’re also concerned about affordable tuition, financial aid opportunities, and career placement services. In addition, you want a quality education that includes student support and low student-to-teacher ratios. Good news, you won’t need to look any further than the rankings of the best online colleges in Florida below. Learn more about this year’s best schools and see if one has the online degree and feature set you’re looking for.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Gainesville, FloridaPublic $
The University of Florida offers a wide variety of online degrees including degrees at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate levels. Students can also take certificate and continuing education courses online. UF students are allowed to decide their course load, and can take a part-time or full-time course load based on their schedule. The majority of UF online courses are asynchronous, so professors provide a detailed syllabus at the beginning of each semester detailing tests, assignments, and reading schedules. Students watch lectures and complete assignments when it’s convenient for them. UF Online is also dedicated to making online students feel like they’re a part of the UF student life, hosting a variety of activities to engage and connect with online students. Online students also receive a wide variety of student support such as tutoring, academic advising, academic advising, networking, and more.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $129.18 per credit hour (Resident); $552 62 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Veterinary Forensic Sciences Master of Science
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $129.18 per credit hour (Resident); $552 62 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Ed.D. Educational Technology
- Credits: 54
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $129.18 per credit hour (Resident); $552 62 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Tampa, FloridaPublic $
The University of South Florida offers partially online bachelor’s programs and fully online master’s programs. USF’s Innovative Education department works to design, develop, and implement changes that support learning, for all learners including USF students, corporate training, and faculty training. Students enrolled in USF’s online Bachelor and Master degree programs participate in courses delivered online via the learning management system Canvas. USF is committed to providing students exceptional support, offering a variety of resources to applicants, students, and former students to help navigate their time at USF and beyond. These resources include virtual health services, career services, technical support, financial aid, and more.
Program Highlights:
Gerontology, M.A.
- Credits: 30 HERE
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $347.91 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $497-$750 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
MS in Health Informatics
- Credits: 32
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $347.91 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Miami, FloridaPublic $
Miami Dade College offers five online programs, with a quality and affordable education with the flexibility to access course materials 24/7, when it’s most convenient for their schedule. All courses are equivalent to traditional in-person courses, meeting the same competencies and learning outcomes. Online courses at MDC are accelerated. Students take two courses at a time, offered in eight weeks. Students may complete a total of four courses in only 16 weeks. MDC students have two options to choose from for fully online programs. With MDC Live, students take virtual classes from anywhere and interact in real time with professors and classmates on scheduled days and times. MDC Online students attend online classes with the option to complete coursework on their own time at their own pace, while also adhering to weekly and term deadlines. There are also options for blended programs, where some coursework is in person and some is online. Online courses are delivered online through the Canvas and Blackboard learning management systems.
Program Highlights:
Entrepreneurship Associate in Science
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $7,093.20 program cost
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Supply Chain Management Bachelor of Applied Science
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $15,586.80 program cost
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Criminal Justice Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $15,586.80 program cost
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Miami, FloridaPublic $
Florida International University has 20 years of experience in online education. FIU Online provides students with the opportunity to complete a variety of online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Courses are delivered through the online learning management system Canvas. Courses are taught by the same award-winning instructors that teach on campus and students gain the skills to change careers, advance in their current profession or gain personal insight. FIU’s fully online courses are convenient, flexible, and practical. FIU Online students have access to 24/7 technical support for Canvas, one-on-one coaching from the university’s Success Coach team, and opportunities for enhancing your student experience such as social events, student support, career services, counseling, and more.
Program Highlights:
Online Bachelor of Arts Anthropology Major, Global Studies
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $228.81 per credit hour (Resident); $345.87 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
MA History
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $15,074.47 program cost
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Master of Science Global Strategic Communications
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12 months
- Cost: $25,000 program cost
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
25/1
-
Boca Raton, FloridaPublic $
Florida Atlantic University offers a wide variety of online degrees including degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels. Online courses are taught by FAU’s faculty, who are world-class researchers and students have an opportunity to interact with and learn from their wealth of knowledge and experiences. Online classes are delivered through the learning management system Canvas. Through Canvas, students can access lectures, course materials, emails, assignments, readings, documents, videos, and discussion boards. They can also interact with professors, classmates, and support services.Online students have the flexibility to choose how work is completed, but assignments do have submission deadlines and some online classes require video conference calls and online chats. FAU online students have access to all of the university’s student resources and tech support.
Program Highlights:
Bachelors in Geosciences, Geography Focus
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $203.29 per credit hour (Resident); $371.82 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Science in Ocean Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $721.84 per credit hour (Resident); $1,026.81 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $721.84 per credit hour (Resident); $1,026.81 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Tallahassee, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Pensacola, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Jacksonville, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Orlando, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
31/1
-
Tallahassee, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Saint Leo, FloridaPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Clearwater, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Daytona Beach, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Jacksonville, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Fort Myers, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
26/1
-
Fort Myers, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Daytona Beach, FloridaPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Ocala, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Sanford, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
27/1
-
Pensacola, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
24/1
-
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Fort Pierce, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
25/1
-
Daytona Beach, FloridaPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
25
Key College
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaPrivate for-profit $$$Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
6/1
-
Ocala, FloridaPrivate for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Niceville, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Miramar, FloridaPrivate for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Tallahassee, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Winter Park, FloridaPrivate for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
31/1
-
Bradenton, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
30/1
-
New Port Richey, FloridaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
28/1
-
Lake Mary, FloridaPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Hialeah, FloridaPrivate for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Winter Park, FloridaPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Miami, FloridaPrivate for-profit $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
25/1
-
Melbourne, FloridaPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Boca Raton, FloridaPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
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Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Comparing Learning Formats at Online Florida Colleges
When you enroll in an accredited online college in Florida, you get the opportunity to take advantage of several different learning modes based on your individual needs. Continue reading to find out how programs are delivered at these schools so you can find the format that’s right for you.
Fully Online vs. Hybrid/Blended
When choosing an online college in Florida, it’s important to think about whether you want to enroll in a program that’s delivered in a hybrid or blended format. With hybrid programs, online components replace in-person education. That means students take all of their classes online but still participate in some in-person activities, such as an internship, lab, special seminar, practicum, or clinicals. If you enroll in a blended program, you get in-person instruction while utilizing tools that are available online. In these programs, online activities supplement the classroom instruction, rather than replacing it. You can find examples of both types of programs below. And of course a fully-online program is exactly what it sounds like: All components are online and you’ll never need to set foot on campus.
Master of Science in Forensic Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University (Blended/Hybrid)
Florida Gulf Coast University offers a hybrid master’s degree in forensic science that is designed for those who work in law enforcement as well as state, federal, county, and local government agencies. In addition, this degree can serve as a foundation for moving on to enroll in a doctoral program while focusing on various forensic specialties. You can concentrate your studies on forensic behavioral analysis or human identity and trauma analysis.
No matter which concentration you choose, by the end of this online college program in Florida you’ll be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of physical and behavioral analyses of evidence, crime patterns, and policymaking related to crime. In addition, the curriculum is designed to enhance the communication and critical thinking skills that professionals need to be effective in their jobs.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting at University of West Florida (Fully-Online)
The online bachelor’s degree program at the University of West Florida, which is accredited by the AACSB, is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers, including positions as budget analysts, accountants, cost estimators, and auditors. As you work through the program, you’ll become familiar with the terminology used in the field; common problems accounting professionals face and the problem-solving strategies used to address them; and ethical and legal standards expected of accountants. In addition, students learn how to effectively communicate in business settings, which will help you work with colleagues and clients alike. This 60-credit online program takes 24 to 48 months to complete, depending on your workload; you can take classes in convenient 15-week sessions.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous
Do you want to attend classes online at the same time as your peers? Or do you prefer to work independently, completing classes at your own pace? Online colleges in Florida give you the opportunity to choose between asynchronous programs, which allow you to watch lectures and hand in assignments at times that are most convenient for you, and synchronous programs that require you to attend classes virtually on prescheduled days and times. To give you an idea of what’s available, the following are some examples of this program format at accredited online colleges in Florida.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at The Baptist College of Florida (Asynchronous)
The Baptist College of Florida offers a bachelor of arts degree in psychology that combines principles of the psychology field with the Christian values the school was founded on. As a result, students are prepared to help others with their emotional, mental, behavioral, and spiritual health. To do this, the curriculum covers personality theory, abnormal psychology, marriage and family, and developmental psychology so students have the framework needed for their careers. In addition, you’ll take required biblical coursework so you can apply what you learned in your psychology classes to Christian doctrine. To round off your education at this online college in Florida, the school requires that you complete general education courses that cover history, science, mathematics, and the humanities.
Master of Arts in English at University of West Florida (Synchronous)
The English master’s degree offered by the University of West Florida advances the careers of high school teachers, postsecondary educators, authors, and editors. This program will help you develop the strong teaching skills needed to work as a literature or English composition instructor, understand literature and poetry from around the world, and effectively write fiction and nonfiction. In addition, you can choose to concentrate in either literature or creative writing.
Completing the 36 credits takes about two years. Choose a thesis or nonthesis track depending on your goals. If you’re interested in conducting research as part of your career, the thesis track is a good choice because you get to explore a subject of interest under the supervision of a faculty member.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time
Do you want to ensure that you finish your degree in four years? Or would you prefer to take a little bit longer, perhaps five to six years, so you can juggle other responsibilities in your life? Luckily, online colleges in Florida allow you to choose programs that are delivered on a full-time or part-time basis. If you’re raising a family and working, part-time degree programs may make it a little easier to fit your education into your lifestyle. However, if you’re motivated to get your degree as quickly as possible, you may want to enroll in a full-time program. Either way, accredited online colleges in Florida, such as the schools below, give you that freedom.
Master of Business Administration at Stetson University (Part-Time)
Stetson University’s MBA program gives you the opportunity to complete your degree on a part-time basis in 24 months. During that time, you can concentrate your studies on accounting, finance, or data analytics. Those who focus on accounting take coursework that covers business valuation, tax research, and the taxation of corporations and partnerships. With the finance specialization you’ll study advanced finance theory, and in the data analytics concentration you’ll get the opportunity to learn about programming for analytics, trends in information technology, and enterprise resource planning systems. In addition, the program requires that students complete core coursework in marketing decision making, organizational behavior, and strategic management. To provide hands-on learning, students may participate in an internship and apply what they learned in class to real-world settings.
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at University of Central Florida (Full-Time)
The bachelor’s degree in anthropology at the University of Central Florida emphasizes cultural and physical anthropology as well as archaeology, so students become familiar with cultural, linguistic, and religious topics in the field. In addition, you’ll be taught about the research and fieldwork anthropologists are involved in and how they use different research methodologies to study cultures around the world. This full-time college program in Florida, which requires that you complete 120 credits, is offered entirely online. Students earn their degrees in four years.
Accreditation for Online College Degrees in FL
When considering the criteria that are important to you as you choose from among the best online colleges in Florida, be sure to add accreditation to the top of your list. The accreditation process ensures that schools are providing a high-level education that prepares students with the knowledge and skills employers will expect. Online colleges in Florida are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which evaluates schools based on factors such as faculty, curriculum, and student outcomes.
In addition to the accrediting organization that gives its seal of approval to online colleges in Florida, there are agencies that accredit specific programs. For example, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredits business programs, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing evaluates nursing programs, and the American Library Association certifies library and information studies degrees.
What Your Online Degree Could Cost in Florida
No matter which program format you choose, you’re likely to be concerned about how much your degree will cost. One of the main factors that determines what you’ll pay for your education is whether you choose a private or public school. Private schools can be significantly more than public schools, so that’s important to keep in mind. However, if you’re attending a public online college in Florida but you’re an out-of-state student, you’ll pay higher tuition than those who are Florida residents.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2020-2021 school year, students at private schools paid $41,843, while those at public ones paid $15,543 if they were state residents and $18,322 if they were out-of-state students. To find out specifics about what different schools charge for online and traditional degree programs, review the chart below.
| School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of West Florida | $16,302/year | $29,202/year | $218.98/credit | $648.37/credit |
| University of Central Florida | $212.28/credit | $748.89/credit | $179.19/credit | $715.80/credit |
| University of Florida | $21,810/year | $44,088/year | $129.18/credit | $552.62/credit |
| Florida Gateway College | $120.33/credit | $450.78/credit | $120.33/credit | $264.44/credit |
| Florida International University | $24,882/year | $37,280/year | $16,338/year | $19,850/year |
* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.
Financial Aid Options for Online Students in FL
As a student at an online college in Florida, you have several options for financial aid. You may be able to get scholarships and grants directly from your school and your academic department that are based on academic performance and need. But the sources of financial aid don’t end there: the Florida Department of Education offers scholarships and grants for state residents, and students may also be able to obtain scholarships from private companies and professional organizations interested in nurturing the next generation of workers in their field.
High-Demand College Careers in Florida
When you earn a degree from an online college in Florida, you want to make sure that you get a good return on your investment. If you’re not sure about what type of degree you want to earn and you’re weighing the options, the information below may help. We’ve compiled a list of the careers that will have the highest job growth in the coming years.
| Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Median Annual Earnings (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 70.8% | $104,830 |
| Statisticians | 63.2% | $83,090 |
| Data Scientists | 52.9% | $90,850 |
| Information Security Analysts | 52% | $102,850 |
| Physician Assistants | 46.2% | $104,810 |
| Film and Video Editors | 45.3% | $55,300 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 44.8% | $35,840 |
| Veterinarians | 43.2% | $108,320 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 42.3% | $64,940 |
| Interpreters and Translators | 40.2% | $51,230 |
Online Resources for College Students in FL
Find Out How to Succeed in College
This page includes information from FloridaShines to help students succeed, including how to create a college plan, search for resources at the library, and transfer to a different school.
Florida College Access Network
Florida College Access Network is an organization that helps to provide opportunities for students from underserved communities who may not otherwise have the chance to go to college.
This page from the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability’s website provides information on the Florida college system that prospective students should know. There is information about the institutions that are included in the system and the programs they offer.
Tips for Success Outside the Classroom
This article from Florida Atlantic University includes information on activities students can do outside of the classroom that will contribute to their academic success.
What You Can Do to Improve Your Academic Success
This article from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida provides study tips and information on how to get the most out of college.
