10 Colleges in Florida With High Acceptance Rates 2026

If you live in Florida and are planning to attend college, you may be concerned about whether or not you'll be accepted into the school of your choice. So, you're wondering, ''Are there any Florida colleges with high acceptance rates?''

Keep reading as we explore some of the top schools with the best acceptance rates in the state. We'll also talk about what a high acceptance rate looks like in Florida and answer some related questions you may have.

Are There Good Universities With High Acceptance Rates in Florida?

There are many state colleges in Florida with high acceptance rates of up to 100%. Most top universities in the state have much lower rates, ranging from 25% to 70%. However, there are a few universities with higher rates, such as Bethune-Cookman University (100%), St. Thomas University (99%), and Palm Beach Atlantic University (88%).

What Is Considered a High Acceptance Rate for Colleges in Florida?

There are many colleges in the south with high acceptance rates, including some in Florida, but most of these are state colleges with open admissions policies. Among schools without these policies, acceptance rates commonly range from around 20% to 70%. Any Florida school that accepts more than 70% of applicants is generally considered to have a high acceptance rate.

What Are the Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Florida?

Most high acceptance rate colleges in Florida are public schools belonging to the Florida College System. These schools generally feature open admissions policies and accept all qualifying students who apply to them. Some examples of these easy schools include:

• Miami Dade College: 100% acceptance rate
• Gulf Coast State College: 100% acceptance rate
• Eastern Florida State College: 100% acceptance rate

Best Colleges in Florida With the Highest Acceptance Rates

If you're ready to begin your academic journey, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some top Florida schools with high acceptance rates, including many that offer online study options.

1. St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College is a public school in St. Petersburg, FL. It provides a wide range of bachelor's and associate degrees, certificates, and short-term training programs. Areas of study include accounting, criminology, and computer engineering.

As a state school with an open admissions policy, this school is one of the highest acceptance rate colleges in Florida. Many of its programs are available partially or fully online, allowing for flexible study options.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Estimated tuition cost: $2,682 per year (in-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers many of its programs online. Some of the many areas of study include:

• culinary and hospitality
• business and financial services
• education and human services

The school features an open admissions policy and affordable tuition rates. Learners benefit from a welcoming, flexible learning environment and relaxed admissions standards.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Estimated tuition cost: $2,878 per year (in-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College is a public school headquartered in Gainesville, FL, though it has several campuses. Some of the degree and certificate programs students can choose from include:

• animal sciences
• applied business analytics
• health services administration

Bachelor's and associate degrees are all available, with some associate degrees designed for transfer and others leading directly to careers. Some of the programs can be completed online.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Estimated tuition cost: $2,563 per year (in-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Indian River State College

Indian River State College is a multicampus school headquartered in Fort Pierce, FL. This public college features programs in areas like:

• agriculture
• building construction technology
• elementary and secondary education

Students can choose from various technical certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees. The school's open admissions policy makes it easy for students to get accepted and start pursuing their career goals.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Estimated tuition cost: $2,764 per year (in-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Daytona State College

Daytona State College, as the name suggests, is located in Daytona, FL. It's a public college offering programs in areas such as:

• cardiopulmonary science
• engineering technology
• paralegal studies

A wide range of credentials is available, including technical certificates, transfer degrees, career-focused associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees. All students meeting basic qualifications are accepted at this school.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Estimated tuition cost: $3,106 per year (in-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. College of Central Florida

College of Central Florida is a public school with campuses throughout Florida in Citrus, Levy, and Marion Counties. Students can pursue education in areas of study like:

• arts and sciences
• digital media technology
• teacher education

Some of the programs are completed online, while others are only available on campus. The school has an open admissions policy to ensure all qualified applicants are accepted.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Estimated tuition cost: $2,710 per year (in-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota

State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota consists of two campuses located in Sarasota and Manatee. Programs of study include:

• music production
• entrepreneurship
• management and leadership

Students can complete many courses in online or hybrid formats. A wide range of bachelor's and associate degree programs is available.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Estimated tuition cost: $3,074 per year (in-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Chipola College

Chipola College is a public school in Marianna, FL. It offers academic programs in many different areas of study, including:

• mathematics
• fine and performing arts
• business and technology

Though most programs are completed in person, various courses are available in an online format. The school has an open admissions policy and provides both undergraduate degree and certificate programs.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Estimated tuition cost: $3,120 per year (in-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Broward College

Broward College is a public school with locations throughout Florida in Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Pembroke Pines, and Miramar. Students can pursue programs in areas like:

• public safety
• science, engineering, technology, and math (STEM)
• health sciences

Many of the programs are available online through flexible courses and schedules. All qualifying applicants are accepted at this school.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Estimated tuition cost: $2,830 per year (in-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Northwest Florida State College

Northwest Florida State College is based in Niceville, FL. This public college features degrees and certificates in many areas, including:

• aviation
• transportation
• social and behavioral sciences

Many classes can be completed entirely online for maximum accessibility. All students are typically accepted at this school.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Estimated tuition cost: $2,583 per year (in-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Admissions Requirements for Colleges With High Acceptance Rates in Florida

Most colleges with high acceptance rates in Florida have very relaxed admissions standards. Depending on the school, admission requirements may include:

• high school diploma or equivalent
• official transcripts
• application and application fee

Some schools may require students to submit standardized test scores, but many do not. Others may have specific requirements not listed above. Be sure to check with any prospective school directly to find out what that school requires.

FAQs About Colleges in Florida With High Acceptance Rates

If you still have questions about colleges with high acceptance rates in Florida, you're not alone. Read on as we provide answers to some commonly asked questions.

Are There Open Admissions Colleges in Florida?

Yes, as noted above, the Florida College System is composed of state schools with open admissions policies. These schools are generally considered some of the easiest Florida colleges to get into, and several of them are featured in this article.

What Universities in Florida Have the Highest Acceptance Rates?

The easiest schools to get into in Florida are the ones with the highest acceptance rates. Aside from the state colleges featured above, several universities in Florida have high acceptance rates of 99% to 100%. These include Bethune-Cookman University, AdventHealth University, and St. Thomas University.

What Is the Hardest School To Get into in Florida?

Many of the top universities in Florida have more selective admissions standards and lower acceptance rates, ranging from 20% to 40%. The hardest school in the state to get into is the University of Miami, which has a 19% acceptance rate.

What Is the #1 Rated College in Florida?

Different media sources use different ranking criteria to determine which schools qualify as the best. Generally, U.S. News and World Report is considered the authority on school rankings. According to U.S. News, the University of Florida is the top-rated school in the state. Other top options include the University of Miami, Florida State University, and Florida International University.

Explore Colleges in Florida

If you're ready to enroll in a degree program and start working toward your future career, explore the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges for more information about specific programs and to choose the right option for you.