Best Online Colleges in Florida 2025

In Florida, more than 28% of students were enrolled exclusively in online programs in 2023, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Earning a bachelor's or master's degree is an essential step for many career paths, and pursuing accredited online degrees can save you both time and money.

If you're planning to attend school online, you may be wondering: what are the best accredited online colleges? What programs do they offer, and how much do they cost? Keep reading as we provide detailed information about the top online degrees in Florida.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Florida

The best online colleges in Florida provide a variety of degree programs in flexible formats and for affordable prices. Let's take a look at the top 10 Florida schools, including key statistics and information on each one.

1. Florida International University

Florida International University is a large public university located in the Miami metro area. It offers a wealth of online programs through its remote campus FIU Online. Undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificate programs, minors, and accelerated bachelor's-to-master's programs are all available in areas of study such as:

• computer science
• early childhood education
• forensic science
• hospitality management
• public health

The school awards some form of financial aid to 92% of its students. FIU is considered a top online school in Florida because of its reasonable tuition prices and wide array of online program offerings.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $6,565

Out-of-State: $18,963

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,119

Out-of-State: $21,600

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 74%

Retention Rate: 92%

Institution Type: Public research university

Accreditation: Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) is located in Gainesville. It is a nationally ranked public university that provides more than 200 online academic programs. Bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and specialist degrees and certificate programs are all available. Programs include:

• aerospace engineering
• entomology and nematology
• business administration
• fire and emergency sciences
• agribusiness

The University of Florida offers financial aid to 90% of online students. Thanks to its high academic standards, affordable in-state tuition rates, and many unique program offerings, UF is considered a top online college in Florida.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $3,876

Out-of-State: $31,899

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $10,770

Out-of-State: $27,335

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 78%

Retention Rate: 94%

Institution Type: Public land-grant research university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, also known as Florida A&M, is a public school in Tallahassee. Online learners at this school can complete various bachelor's and master's degrees. Areas of study include:

• global security and international affairs
• adult gerontology
• information technology
• sociology
• sport management

At least 93% of students attending this school receive financial aid to help them pay for their degree. The school's blend of asynchronous coursework and synchronous learning opportunities, as well as the variety of programs available, make this institution one of the best online colleges in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $5,785

Out-of-State: $17,725

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,019

Out-of-State: $22,108

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 21%

Graduation Rate: 52%

Retention Rate: 86%

Institution Type: Public historically black land grant university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the largest schools in the state with an enrollment of nearly 70,000. It offers many online degree programs at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, as well as minors and certificates. Programs include:

• anthropology
• emergency management
• writing and rhetoric
• political science
• legal studies

The school offers financial aid to 91% of students, and various forms of aid are available. UCF is considered a top school in Florida thanks to its affordable online tuition rates, a multitude of online degree offerings, and its commitment to academic excellence.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $6,368

Out-of-State: $22,467

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $6,916

Out-of-State: $25,759

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 40%

Graduation Rate: 75%

Retention Rate: 92%

Institution Type: Public research university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a public school located in Boca Raton. This top-ranking institution provides online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs along with undergraduate and graduate certificates. Some of the many areas of study include:

• nursing
• communication studies
• geosciences
• ocean engineering
• special education

This exceptional online school enables students to study on a flexible schedule that works for them and provides top-notch academics. Up to 92% of students receive financial aid; this, combined with affordable tuition rates and high-quality education, makes FAU one of the best online schools in Florida.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $4,879

Out-of-State: $17,324

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,467

Out-of-State: $16,695

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 64%

Retention Rate: 84%

Institution Type: Public research university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida, located in Tampa, provides various online degrees. Several bachelor's completion programs are available along with various master's degrees. Some of the programs include:

• music education
• library and information sciences
• applied behavior analysis
• social work
• cybersecurity

The school offers financial aid to 88% of students. It is considered one of the top online universities in the state thanks to its array of online master's programs, affordable tuition rates, and flexible study options.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $6,410

Out-of-State: $17,324

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,350

Out-of-State: $19,048

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 41%

Graduation Rate: 75%

Retention Rate: 91%

Institution Type: Public research university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida (UWF) is located in Pensacola. Students attending this public school online can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates in many areas of study. Some of the options include:

• clinical lab science
• maritime studies
• human resource management
• psychology
• health sciences

As many as 89% of students receive financial aid at UWF. Thanks to the variety of online programs, the educational quality, and the affordable tuition rates, this school is considered one of the best for online learners in Florida.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $6,360

Out-of-State: $19,241

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,088

Out-of-State: $22,166

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Graduation Rate: 62%

Retention Rate: 88%

Institution Type: Public research university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) is a private school located in Melbourne. It offers many online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in areas of study such as:

• applied psychology
• aviation management
• computer information systems
• business administration
• project management

The school awards financial aid to 81% of students. Courses are offered in accelerated eight-week sessions for maximum flexibility, and high-ranking programs ensure a quality education. These factors make FIT a top online school in Florida.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $12,240

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $16,128

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 44%

Graduation Rate: N/A

Retention Rate: 22%

Institution Type: Private research university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University is a private school in Fort Lauderdale. It offers 80 online academic programs at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Students can study topics such as:

• technology management
• nutrition
• human services administration
• leadership
• speech-language and communication disorders

The school is generous with financial aid, awarding up to 94% of students. Thanks to its array of degrees and financial aid opportunities, Nova Southeastern is considered a top Florida online college.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $37,080

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $22,890

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 64%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Private research university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Florida State University

Florida State University is a public school in Tallahassee. It provides online bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees and certificate programs. Consider the following areas of study:

• financial planning
• computer science
• criminology
• art education
• entrepreneurship

The school boasts excellent graduation rates and awards financial aid to 95% of students. These factors, along with top-quality online academic programs, make this an excellent Florida university for online learners.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $5,656

Out-of-State: $18,786

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,684

Out-of-State: $24,116

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 25%

Graduation Rate: 83%

Retention Rate: 96%

Institution Type: Public research university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Other Featured Online Colleges

Up next, we'll look at a couple of top online universities that offer undergraduate and graduate programs to students throughout the country. These schools are ideal for Florida students because they don't charge out-of-state tuition rates and provide a lot of high-quality academic opportunities for online learners.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit online university headquartered in Millcreek, UT. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, it provides bachelor's and master's degrees and certificates in various majors, including:

• healthcare administration
• marketing
• elementary education
• data analytics
• health and human services

The school uses a competency-based learning model, making it easy for highly motivated students to study on their own terms and earn their degrees quickly. Various financial aid options are available.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit school primarily serving online students. More than 200 academic programs are available at undergraduate and graduate levels, including:

• creative writing and English
• biology
• engineering technology
• history
• game and simulation programming

The school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Eight-week courses, flexible study options, and affordable tuition make this a great school for online students.

Liberty University

Liberty University is a private, nonprofit school located in Lynchburg, VA. It enrolls nearly 100,000 students in more than 600 programs, many of which are available online. Degrees and certificates are available at every program level in areas such as:

• aeronautics
• applied statistics
• Biblical studies
• counselor education and supervision
• educational leadership

Flexible study schedules make this SACSCOC-accredited school a favorite among online learners. Affordable tuition and generous transfer credit policies make the programs accessible for many students.

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose only top schools when creating our school rank lists. Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, we used the following criteria when selecting the schools above:

• Accreditation: All of the schools above maintain accreditation from Department of Education-recognized accrediting bodies. Most of them are accredited by the SACSCOC.
• Reputation: Each school is a respected institution known for providing top-notch academic programs both online and in-person, often ranking high in lists compiled by Forbes and U.S. News & World Report.
• Accessibility: Though some of the schools listed have low or modest acceptance rates, students accepted into the programs benefit from coursework flexibility, low tuition and financial aid opportunities, generous transfer credit policies, and other features to make school accessible.

Pros and Cons of Online Programs in Florida

As with anything, there are both benefits and drawbacks to getting your education online. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons you should consider.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Flexibility: Online programs often offer asynchronous courses, allowing students to set their own study schedules. Even online programs with live class sessions enable students to study from anywhere, offer multiple yearly start dates, and make it easy for students to study on either a part-time or full-time basis according to what works best for their schedule.
• Affordability: Online degree programs tend to be more affordable than in-person degrees. Sometimes they offer lower tuition rates, but most often they require fewer fees and added expenses, making the overall cost of earning a degree lower for online learners.
• In-demand skills: When you study online, you develop skills in time management, self-motivation, and organization. These skills are in high demand among employers regardless of the field you plan to enter after college.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Lack of structure: Though many students appreciate the flexibility of online programs, others struggle because they are not structured the same as in-person programs. Students who are not self-motivated or who do better in group settings may find that online degrees are not for them.
• Employer skepticism: Online degrees are becoming more and more common, but some employers are still skeptical of them. They may be concerned that online degrees provide a lower-quality education. This is why it's important to earn your degree from an accredited, respected, and well-known online university.
• High dropout rates: Online college programs tend to experience higher dropout rates than campus-based programs. This is likely because many students who enroll in online degrees decide online learning isn't for them or because they weren't committed to earning their degree in the first place.

How To Choose an Online College in Florida

There are many Florida online colleges to choose from. When deciding which school to attend, it's important to choose a school that's accredited and has a good reputation; this will give your degree the best chance of being accepted in the workplace. You may also want to choose a school that offers your specific major in an online format.

Check figures like acceptance, retention, and graduation rates to get a better idea of a school's reputation. You'll also want to think about the cost of attendance and financial aid, admission requirements, and resources available to help students succeed. Finally, if you have an associate degree or transfer credits, you'll want to choose a school with a generous transfer policy.

How Much Does an Online Degree Cost in Florida?

Florida's online college programs can vary widely in price. Tuition costs will vary depending on degree level, whether you attend a public or private college, and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student.

Among the schools in this article, average yearly tuition rates range from around $3,000 to nearly $40,000. Mandatory fees and other expenses, such as books and technology costs, can raise prices even further, but these will vary from school to school.

Tips on How To Make Online College More Affordable in Florida

Affordable online degrees in Florida are not hard to come by, especially for in-state students. But even affordable programs can get pricey over time. Fortunately, there are many ways to save money on your degree.

You can earn financial aid by filling out the FAFSA and applying for grants and scholarships. If you have transfer credits, bringing these credits into your program can help you save both money and time. Many schools also offer payment plans and free applications to assist students in paying for college. Learn more about each of these options by visiting the links below:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with monthly payment plans
• online colleges that accept max transfer credits
• online colleges with free applications
• grants for online colleges
• online college scholarships

Florida Scholarships & Grants

Using scholarships and grants to pay for your online college programs can help you graduate with less debt. Let's look at some top scholarships available for Florida students.

Bright Futures Scholarship Program

This is a state-funded program that awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence. Eligibility requirements and award amounts vary, but the scholarships may cover up to 100% of mandatory fees and tuition.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: August 31, 2025

Benacquisto Scholarship

The Benacquisto Scholarship is another state-funded program. It is specifically available for National Merit Scholarship finalists. Students hoping to attend participating Florida schools who indicate those schools as their first choices may be offered these scholarships.

Award Amount: $500

Deadline: May 31, 2025

Florida Fund for Minority Teachers Scholarship

This scholarship is available to aspiring educators belonging to minority groups and planning to attend participating Florida schools. Applicants must have an associate degree or 60 college credits, be residents of Florida, and plan to attend school full-time.

Award Amount: $4,000

Deadline: August 1, 2025

Top Majors for Florida Graduates

Among the schools featured in this article, some majors are more popular than others. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the most popular online bachelor's degrees and master's programs are as follows:

• Psychology: Degrees in psychology help students better understand human thought and behavior. Students can pursue entry-level psychology careers with a bachelor's degree but must earn master's and/or doctoral degrees to pursue clinical counseling or psychologist careers.
• Business Administration: Business administration degrees cover a broad range of topics preparing students to manage business operations. Students typically earn a bachelor's or master's degree in the field and can pursue various management and administrative business careers with this major.
• Criminal Justice: A criminal justice degree gives students an understanding of criminal psychology, the legal system, and law enforcement tactics. Students earning a bachelor's degree in the field often pursue careers in law enforcement, public service or administration, and law offices.
• Biology: Biology is the study of life. It is a broad major often pursued at the bachelor's level. Students earning this degree can go into many fields ranging from healthcare and nursing to environmental science to scientific research.
• Health Sciences: Health science and related programs are foundational programs usually conferred as bachelor's degrees. They prepare students for various allied health professions and advanced studies in healthcare.

FAQs About Accredited Online Universities and Colleges in Florida

If you still have questions about becoming an online college student in Florida, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some common questions about pursuing higher education online.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Florida?

Most full-time students earn a bachelor's degree within four years and a master's degree within one to two years. Accelerated online degrees in Florida can shorten the timeframes considerably, helping students earn their bachelor's degree in three years or less and their master's degree in one year or less.

Is Online College Right for Me?

Becoming an online student isn't for everyone. If you're not sure whether taking online courses would be a good fit for you, consider enrolling as an in-person student but take one or two online classes to try them out. If you find that the flexible, unstructured format of your online classes suits you better than your in-person classes, attending an online college program in Florida may be the right path for you.

What Is the Easiest Online University To Get Into in Florida?

To answer this question, it's important to consider which schools in Florida have the highest acceptance rates. Several schools, especially community colleges, have 100% acceptance rates, making them very easy to get into. One of the four-year schools in Florida with a 100% acceptance rate is Bethune-Cookman University, so it could be assumed that this is the easiest school to get into in the state.

Is Online College Free in Florida?

All online colleges in Florida charge tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. However, some students may be able to attend college for free using financial aid. This is especially true for Florida Bright Futures Scholars, many of whom have all of their mandatory fees and tuition costs paid for.

Which Accredited Online Schools in Florida Have the Highest Graduation Rates?

Several Florida universities offering online degrees have very high graduation rates. Among these schools are the following:

• Florida State University: 83%
• University of Florida: 78%
• University of Central Florida: 75%
• University of South Florida: 75%

Discover Online Degrees in Florida

If you're ready to begin your online education experience, consider the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools today to find out more about their distance learning opportunities and to determine which one is right for you.