Top 4 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in Florida

The cost to pursue higher education is higher now than ever before. Due to higher tuition rates, many students have had to lean more on federal aid to help fund their education.

To help with this, colleges and universities have created online degree programs that are more affordable and convenient for working students.

Learn.org has identified the top four options for free colleges in Florida and helps to identify the best financial aid options that are available for prospective students. Students may also be interested in tuition-free online colleges in Tampa.

Online Colleges and Universities with Free Courses

The following list contains the top four low-cost and free colleges in Florida.

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida is one of the leading affordable online colleges in Florida. The university offers many online degree programs that consist of bachelor's, master's, doctoral, certificate, and degree completion programs.

The institution has more than 25 majors to select from, allowing students to develop invaluable skills. Along with this, students are provided with a low-cost education with each credit hour costing $129 each.

In addition, the university offers a ton of free online courses for students interested in advancing their skills.

There are courses in many different areas, such as:

• health
• business
• social science
• science
• self-development

2. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is another university that is dedicated to providing low-cost online degree programs. Students are eligible to choose from programs in criminal justice, public health, nursing, and many others.

The current in-state tuition is around $6,400 and out-of-state tuition is around $17,300.

In addition to the cost, the university offers a free online course designed to help managers and employees become more well-versed in addressing mental health.

The course consists of seven sessions that cover symptoms of some of the most common mental and behavioral disorders. In the end, participants have the option to earn a certificate from the program.

3. Florida State College at Jacksonville

FSCJ is another college that offers online degree programs at an affordable level. At the university, students are able to select from associate's, bachelor's, and technical certificate programs.

The college also offers accelerated degree programs for students in a hurry to earn their degrees.

The current tuition rates for online courses are $218 per credit hour.

4. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers more than 100 online degree programs. The university offers a ton of online degree programs in criminal justice, legal studies, and nursing.

Including the variety of programs, the university is dedicated to providing affordability to its students.

The tuition rates for both residents and non-residents are currently at $105 per credit hour.

How To Make College Free

The following information contains the best ways for students to lower their education costs and achieve an affordable education.

Apply for Grants

The state of Florida offers many grant opportunities for students looking to lower their education costs.

The Federal Pell Grant is available to students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.

The maximum award available is around $7,300 for the year.

Factors that determine the total amount are:

• your expected family contribution (EFC)
• the cost of attendance
• your status as a full-time or part-time student
• your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less

Students are also eligible to apply for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), which is a grant for undergraduate students who have displayed financial need.

The total amount of the award can vary between $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on your financial need and the availability of funds.

Apply for Scholarships

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is available for students who have demonstrated academic excellence.

In order to qualify for this award, students must:

• submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)
• have a 3.5 weighted GPA
• 100 service hours or 100 paid work hours
• required 16 high school course credits
• achieve minimum ACT/SAT score

Get Tuition Reimbursement from an Employer

The state does offer a state tuition waiver program for full-time, salaried employees.

The program allows each state university and state college to waive tuition and fees for employees for up to six credit hours per semester on a space-available basis.

The state currently allows up to $5,250 per year to be applied to education costs.

Look Into Tuition and Fee Waivers

The state of Florida offers a ton of tuition and fee waivers to residents in Florida.

The state offers waivers to:

• state employees
• college employees and their dependents
• veteran and active military
• spouses of deceased state employees

Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree in Florida Today

Florida provides an endless number of online colleges and universities that offer affordable education for students.

If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling in a program today, please visit the institution's official website for more information.