Best Online Colleges in Florida

Colleges with online classes offer a flexible option to earn your degree while also balancing many of life's other responsibilities. Check out the most popular online programs of 2023 below.

Best Accredited Colleges

#1 University of Florida-Online
location Gainesville, FL
tuition $12527
acceptance_rate 88%
Based in Gainesville, the University of Florida serves over 56,000 students each year, many of whom pursue distance education. The institution delivers fully online certificates and degrees through the Canvas platform. The catalog offers bachelor's degrees in fields like sport management, environmental geosciences, and criminology. Distance learners can also enroll in a business administration program, which comes with specializations in mass communication and travel/tourism management. At the graduate level, online academics cover areas like sustainable design, fisheries and aquatic science, and biostatistics. Students can pursue a master of pharmaceutical sciences, picking from one of 10 specializations. UFL also offers remote doctoral credentials, like a Ph.D. in classical civilization. This flexible program enables high school and community college teachers to advance their careers through intensive research. Admission criteria vary by program, but undergraduate candidates typically need a minimum 2.0 GPA. Graduate applicants should expect to meet a 3.0 GPA requirement. Distance learners pay affordable per-credit tuition prices based on where they reside.
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Headquartered in Melbourne, the Florida Institute of Technology serves more than 6,400 students each year. The university offers affordable remote academics through Canvas and allows learners to earn full degrees by taking asynchronous classes. Unlike other online schools, FIT only offers master's programs. Options include operations research, computer information systems, and public administration. Candidates can also earn a master of science in space systems. This 33-credit program synthesizes collaborative learning with hands-on assistantships, preparing learners to design, launch, and maintain all forms of space vehicles and systems. Additionally, FIT delivers comprehensive graduate management degrees. Candidates can pursue a generalist track or opt for specializations in logistics, human resources, and acquisition and contract management. The university also facilitates a master of healthcare management program that enables students to work as chief hospital executives or insurance marketing specialists. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. They submit GRE/GMAT scores, a resume, a statement of objectives, and a recommendation letter. Online students pay one low, per-credit tuition rate regardless of legal residency.
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#3 Saint Leo University
location Saint Leo, FL
tuition $20552
acceptance_rate 48%
A private liberal arts institution, Saint Leo University provides online academic programs through the Desire2Learn platform. In addition to five remote associate degrees, students can earn bachelor's credentials in fields like emergency management, software engineering, and applied and clinical sociology. Distance learners may also enroll in a business administration program, completing internships and concentrating their degree plans on one of four emphasis areas. The graduate catalog features online master's programs for creative writing, cybersecurity, and sport business. Candidates can also pursue a social work degree, picking from two- or three-year tracks. Saint Leo also delivers master of education programs that enable teachers to earn state endorsements in specialized areas like reading and exceptional student education. At the doctoral level, the university offers remote degrees in homeland security, business administration, and school leadership. All applicants submit standardized test scores. If a graduate candidate's GPA falls below a 3.0, they must earn designated minimum scores on the GRE or GMAT. Saint Leo offers a 50% tuition scholarship to qualifying learners with an associate degree.
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#4 University of Miami
location Coral Gables, FL
tuition $42204
acceptance_rate 84%
The University of Miami enrolls over 17,000 students across 12 colleges and schools. Many learners choose to earn their degrees remotely through asynchronous coursework facilitated by Blackboard. UM offers fully online graduate programs that include master's degrees in public administration and professional accounting. Learners can also pursue a health informatics degree over the course of 22 months. This 33-credit program covers the data analysis and information security skills candidates need to maintain healthcare databases. Additional online master's degrees include business administration. The comprehensive MBA program enables students to customize their curriculum by picking focus areas like financial decision-making and corporate finance. UM delivers one remote terminal degree: a doctor of education in applied learning sciences. Totaling 45 credits, this practice-based program trains candidates to evaluate learning environments and implement relevant strategies. To enroll, candidates submit a formal application, all academic transcripts, a resume, and two professional recommendation letters. UM offers affordable per-credit tuition prices based on program and also provides merit scholarships.
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#5 Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
location Fort Lauderdale, FL
tuition $26730
acceptance_rate 69%
Established in 1977, Keiser University is a private institution of higher education that maintains campuses across Florida and in international locations. The school delivers career-focused distance education powered by Blackboard Learn. For online students interested in immediate career placement, Keiser offers technical associate programs in industries like fire science, paralegal studies, and medical billing and coding. Undergraduate candidates can also pursue bachelor's degrees for public safety administration and applied engineering. Furthermore, the university offers a four-year program in accounting accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The graduate catalog offers online master's degrees in management and business administration with tracks specifically for native Spanish speakers. Keiser also offers a remote doctor of business administration. This 42-credit program allows students to investigate mounting challenges in the global business environment and apply advanced theories to improve organizational dynamics. Keiser evaluates undergraduate applicants holistically based on GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. Graduate candidates typically need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Distance learners benefit from affordable tuition and generous financial support.
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#6 Everglades University
location Boca Raton, FL
tuition $18920
acceptance_rate 58%
Located in Boca Raton, Everglades University supports learners by offering flexible and affordable academic programs. Students can earn their degrees entirely online through asynchronous classes facilitated by Blackboard. Undergraduate programs cover fields like alternative medicine, construction management, and international business. Learners can also pursue a bachelor of environmental policy and management, studying the impact of industrialization on natural resources and communities. EU delivers four online graduate programs. Options include master's degrees in entrepreneurship and business administration. Students can also enroll in a 36-credit public health administration program featuring concentrations in functional nutrition and complementary/alternative medicine. The university also provides a master's degree in aviation science that full-time candidates can complete in as little as 12 months. Aviation science students can focus their training on either management competencies or security knowledge. All applicants must furnish adequate standardized test scores. Graduate candidates need at least a 2.0 GPA. Students pay low per-credit tuition prices based on program level, not residency status.
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With campuses in Florida and Arizona, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the nation's largest postsecondary institution dedicated to aviation and aerospace education. Over 31,000 students attend ERAU, many of whom pursue their degrees entirely online through Canvas. The university's catalog includes associate tracks in technical management and aviation maintenance. Bachelor's candidates can enroll in programs like business analytics, safety management, and aeronautics. They may also pursue a specialized unmanned systems applications degree, examining major challenges related to autonomy and interoperability. ERAU delivers remote master's degrees in project management and cybersecurity policy. Graduate students can obtain business administration credentials accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The 33-credit MBA curriculum emphasizes the global aviation industry and culminates with a research project.The university also offers an online aviation Ph.D. Both undergraduate and graduate applicants must meet a 2.5 minimum GPA requirement. Distance learners pay affordable per-credit tuition. Active military personnel enjoy steep discounts on already low tuition rates.
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#8 Florida State College at Jacksonville
location Jacksonville, FL
tuition $4422
acceptance_rate 35%
Florida State College at Jacksonville was founded in 1966 as a two-year school but now offers comprehensive associate and bachelor's degrees to over 23,400 students. The institution facilitates online education through Blackboard. For learners interested in transfer opportunities, FSCJ offers a remote associate of arts. The college also delivers technical career training in fields such as early childhood management and office administration. The program catalog includes online bachelor's credentials in financial services, logistics, and supervision and management. Students can also pursue an information technology management degree, developing interpersonal communication and human resources skills to oversee IT personnel. FSCJ also offers a bachelor of nursing track for licensed nurses. Hybrid coursework and flexible scheduling allow BSN candidates to obtain their degree while maintaining employment. Distance learners enjoy low in-state tuition prices. They can apply for a variety of funding opportunities, like the FSCJ Promise award for state residents. The university also hosts the Scheidel Scholarship for exceptional student leaders.
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#9 University of Central Florida
location Orlando, FL
tuition $15341
acceptance_rate 70%
The University of Central Florida serves over 68,500 students, making it one of the largest higher education institutions in the United States. The school delivers comprehensive academic programs at the main Orlando campus, 10 regional satellite locations, and online through asynchronous classes powered by Canvas. Remote bachelor's programs include anthropology, senior living management, legal studies, and teacher education and industry training. Students can also obtain an English degree, concentrating their curriculum on either creative writing or technical communication. UCF delivers remote master's degrees in social work, healthcare informatics, and forensic science. Students can also enroll in an online civil engineering program, which features concentrations in areas such as smart cities and water resources. For distance learners who want to earn terminal credentials, the university offers doctorates in nursing practice. Undergraduates enroll in online programming on a transfer basis and must have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Graduate candidates need at least a 3.0 GPA and adequate GRE/GMAT scores. Financial aid opportunities include scholarships specifically for out-of-state residents and distance learners.
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#10 Florida Gateway College
location Lake City, FL
tuition $4942
acceptance_rate 41%
Florida Gateway College was founded in 1947 as a forestry school. Today, the institution offers affordable associate and bachelor's programs to 5,000 students each year. FGC powers distance education with Canvas and students can take individual, asynchronous classes alongside their campus-based coursework. Learners may also pursue entirely remote associate programs in business administration and environmental technology. Furthermore, the college delivers online technical certificates that enable working professionals to advance their careers. For online students who want to earn baccalaureate credentials, options include early childhood education and nursing (RN to BSN). FGC also delivers a bachelor of applied science in water resources management. Learners in this program develop ethical decision-making and water systems allocation skills that enable them to work as hydrologists, conservation scientists, and corporate policy specialists. To enroll, candidates submit a free application, furnish official academic transcripts, and sit for placement testing. FGC bases its affordable tuition prices on residency status. The college offers ample award opportunities, like the 30+ in One Year Scholarship for first-time associate degree candidates.
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best online colleges in Florida?

Some of the best online colleges in Florida include the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida. These institutions offer a wide range of online programs and have a strong reputation for academic excellence.

2. How do I choose the right online college in Florida?

When choosing an online college in Florida, consider factors such as accreditation, program offerings, faculty qualifications, student support services, and tuition costs. It's important to research and compare multiple institutions to find the one that best fits your educational goals and needs.

3. Are online degrees from Florida colleges respected by employers?

Yes, online degrees from reputable Florida colleges are generally respected by employers. It's important to choose an accredited institution and ensure that the online program you pursue aligns with your career goals. Employers often value the skills and knowledge gained through online education, as long as the degree is from a recognized and accredited institution.

4. Can I transfer credits earned from an online college in Florida to another institution?

Transfer credit policies vary among institutions, but many online colleges in Florida have agreements with other colleges and universities that allow for the transfer of credits. It's important to check with the specific institutions you are considering to understand their transfer credit policies and requirements.

5. How long does it take to complete an online degree in Florida?

The time it takes to complete an online degree in Florida depends on various factors, including the program level (associate's, bachelor's, master's, etc.) and the student's course load. On average, a bachelor's degree can be completed in 4 years, while a master's degree may take 1-2 years. Some online programs offer accelerated options that allow students to complete their degrees more quickly.

6. What financial aid options are available for online college students in Florida?

Online college students in Florida have access to various financial aid options, including federal grants, scholarships, and loans. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer their own institutional scholarships and financial aid programs specifically for online students. It's important to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal financial aid.

7. Can I receive personalized support as an online student in Florida?

Yes, online students in Florida typically have access to personalized support services. Most online colleges offer virtual advising, tutoring, career counseling, and technical support to ensure that students have the resources they need to succeed. Additionally, online students can often connect with faculty and peers through virtual platforms and discussion boards.

8. Are online classes in Florida conducted in real-time or can I complete coursework at my own pace?

Online classes in Florida can be conducted in different formats. Some courses may have scheduled virtual class sessions where students participate in real-time, while others may be self-paced, allowing students to complete coursework at their own convenience. It's important to review the course format and requirements for each online program you are considering.

9. Can I access online library resources as an online student in Florida?

Yes, online students in Florida typically have access to online library resources. Most online colleges provide access to digital libraries, e-books, scholarly journals, and other research materials through their online learning platforms. Additionally, librarians are often available to assist online students with research and information retrieval.

10. How do I apply to an online college in Florida?

The application process for online colleges in Florida is similar to that of traditional colleges. Typically, you will need to complete an online application, submit official transcripts from previous educational institutions, provide any required test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and pay an application fee. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as essays or letters of recommendation. It's important to review the specific application instructions for each institution you are interested in.