Updated: Sep 8, 2023, 11:07am
Universities and colleges across the country have made education more accessible than ever with online learning. Online colleges make schooling more feasible for prospective students with work or other commitments. They also offer reduced travel requirements and, in some cases, even cost savings.
But with dozens of online colleges in Florida, choosing the right school may prove challenging. To make that process a little easier, we put together a list of the 10 best online Florida colleges offering bachelor’s programs. We highlight what makes each school special and how each online campus approaches its programs. We also offer some tips for making the best school decision.
Our Methodology
Best Online Florida College Options
Should You Enroll in an Online College in Florida?
Online colleges in Florida often offer flexible delivery formats, which may allow you to maintain your current job or keep up with your busy schedule while completing your degree. Plus, you might save money by reducing travel and accommodation expenses.
But online programs also require a particular skill set, including self-motivation and time management—especially if your program is asynchronous. To thrive in this type of learning environment, you must stay organized and on task without the oversight or peer accountability found in a traditional classroom.
When deciding whether online college makes sense for you, think about your scheduling and learning style needs. If you require something more interactive and structured than asynchronous online classes can provide, consider synchronous, hybrid or in-person classes instead.
Best Online Colleges By State
- Best Online Colleges In Arizona
- Best Online Colleges In California
- Best Online Colleges In Georgia
- Best Online Colleges In Indiana
- Best Online Colleges In Kentucky
- Best Online Colleges In Massachusetts
- Best Online Colleges In Michigan
- Best Online Colleges New Hampshire
- Best Online Colleges In New Mexico
- Best Online Colleges In New York
- Best Online Colleges In North Carolina
- Best Online Colleges In Ohio
- Best Online Colleges In Oklahoma
- Best Online Colleges In Pennsylvania
- Best Online Colleges In South Carolina
- Best Online Colleges In Tennessee
- Best Online Colleges In Texas
- Best Online Colleges In Virginia
Accreditation for Online Colleges in Florida
Just as with traditional colleges, students must ensure their online schools hold institutional accreditation. If your college or university is not properly accredited, you may be ineligible for federal student aid, credit transfers and graduate school. Moreover, some employers do not recognize unaccredited degrees.
Institutional accreditation also serves as a quality assurance marker, signaling to prospective students that a school meets or exceeds stringent standards for faculty quality, student resources and graduate outcomes.
Institutional accreditation comes from organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The most common institutional accreditor for Florida colleges is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How To Find the Right Florida Online College for You
Consider Your Future Goals
Your chosen online school should help you meet your career and academic goals. Choose a college or university that offers a degree in your desired field and, if applicable, a specialization or minor in your particular area of interest. Some schools emphasize hands-on experience and networking opportunities, which can bode well in your eventual job search.
If you plan to attend graduate school after earning your bachelor’s, prioritize research-based universities with programs that fulfill the prerequisites for the graduate degree you want to pursue. You might even look for an undergraduate university that also offers your desired grad degree to make the transition a bit easier.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Compared to national averages, Florida’s college students pay relatively low tuition rates. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Florida’s in-state public school students paid $4,541 in tuition and fees for the 2020-21 year, while out-of-state students paid $18,322. Private school students paid $28,860.
Comparatively, the national averages were $9,375 for in-state public school students, $27,091 for out-of-state public school students and $32,825 for private school students. For a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, annual tuition prices for the schools on this page fall between $3,152 and $12,600—significantly lower than Florida’s statewide averages. This indicates that the best online colleges in Florida offer a particularly strong value.
To help fund your degree, you can start by completing the FAFSA, which puts your hat in the ring for federal student aid, including loans, grants and work-study programs. You can also pursue scholarship opportunities through your chosen school and third-party organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Florida Colleges
Can you do online college in Florida?
Yes. For this ranking, we evaluated 85 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities in Florida that offer online bachelor’s degrees.
How much is online college in Florida?
Online Florida colleges vary in price depending on the school and program. For our top 10 picks, tuition ranged between $105 and $420 per credit. Online students may also incur technology or distance education fees.