Accredited Self-Paced Online Colleges in Florida 2025
A few Florida universities offer self-paced courses and degree programs online. Students can also enroll in self-paced programs at some out-of-state schools.
If you're interested in pursuing a flexible online degree program, studying at a self-paced college may be ideal for you. But perhaps you're wondering: are there any of these types of schools in Florida? And do they offer online classes and programs?
Keep reading as we explore the top accredited self-paced online colleges for Florida students. We'll also explore some top out-of-state options, provide general information about self-paced online degree programs, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Self-Paced Online Degree Programs in Florida
There are many online colleges in Florida, but only a couple of them offer self-paced options. Let's look closer at the accredited self-paced online colleges available in your state.
1. University of Florida
The University of Florida is a public school in Gainesville. In addition to offering a variety of flexible online degree programs, the school also provides individual self-paced online courses for $212.71 per credit hour. Options include:
- college success
- developmental psychology
- principles of macroeconomics
Students can take these courses on their own or as part of a degree program. They feature ongoing admissions and are completely self-paced as long as students finish them within 16 weeks. Students may take up to two of these courses at a time.
2. Florida National University
Florida National University is a private, for-profit school in Hialeah. It provides a range of high-quality online education opportunities, including self-paced degree programs in fields like:
- criminal justice
- nursing
- business administration
Associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees are all available and provide a maximum amount of flexibility so students can get their degrees at a pace that works for them. Tuition rates range from $450 to $900 per credit hour.
Online Colleges in Other States Offering Self-Paced Programs
Several colleges throughout the U.S. provide self-paced programs for online students. Let's explore some of these accredited self-paced online colleges in more detail.
University of Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin is located in Madison, WI. It offers UW Flexible Option degrees, which are competency-based, self-paced programs designed specifically for busy adult students. Programs include:
- biomedical science
- information science and technology
- business administration
An associate degree, several bachelor's degrees, and certificate programs are all available. Students pay $2,250 per 12-week ''subscription period'' and can take as many self-paced courses as they want for the same flat fee.
Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University is a private school known for offering a variety of flexible study options. Some of its degree programs are available in a self-paced, web-based format, including:
- social science
- psychology
- liberal arts
Programs feature monthly start dates so you can begin your degree program anytime. The school is transfer-friendly, allowing up to 90 transfer credits. Tuition costs $350 per credit hour.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University is a nonprofit online school headquartered in Utah. It boasts more than 150,000 students and offers competency-based associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees and certificate programs. Areas of study include:
- special education
- accounting
- healthcare administration
Tuition is charged per six-month term and costs anywhere from $3,725 to $8,755 per term. Students complete as many courses as they want per term, often saving large amounts of money on their degree by taking heavy courseloads.
University of Massachusetts Global
The University of Massachusetts Global is a private school headquartered in California. It offers several self-paced ''MyPath'' degrees, including:
- marketing
- organizational leadership
- information technology
These programs are self-paced and competency-based, allowing students to progress through them quickly. Various student support services are available to help students succeed. Subscription tuition of $3,300 to $3,800 is charged every 24 weeks.
University of Maine Presque Isle
The University of Maine Presque Isle is a public school that offers a handful of competency-based degree programs. Known as ''YourPace'' programs, these include degrees in:
- project management
- history and political science
- educational studies
Students progress by mastering as many competencies as possible per eight-week session, and tuition costs $1,700 to $2,350 per session. Several undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates are available in this online, self-paced format.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is a public school in Grand Forks, ND. It offers a range of self-paced courses, and students can complete the following bachelor's degrees by taking only these courses:
- communication
- general studies
- social science
Courses allow students to enroll anytime they want and take up to nine months to complete coursework. Students can submit up to three assignments for grading each week if they want to progress quickly. All students taking these courses, regardless of residency, pay the in-state tuition rate of $384.88 per credit hour.
Capella University
Capella University is a private, for-profit online college. It offers several online degree programs through its ''FlexPath'' online format, including:
- computer science
- human resource management
- health information management
Students in these programs set their own deadlines as long as they finish each course they enroll in within 12 weeks. Tuition is paid per 12-week session and costs $2,500 to $3,340. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are all available through FlexPath.
Walden University
Walden University is another private online school offering self-paced learning options. Students at this school can enroll in various ''Tempo Learning'' programs, including:
- health studies
- criminal justice
- psychology
Students pay $1,600 to $3,550 per three-month term and progress through courses at whatever pace works for them. Scholarships are available to provide one free term for every four terms a student completes.
Our Selection Criteria
We strive to choose only top schools when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria to select the accredited self-paced online colleges above:
- Accreditation: Each school maintains institutional accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized organization.
- Reputation: Each school is known for its strong academic standards in both its online and on-campus programs.
- Self-paced offerings: Each school offers a variety of self-paced courses for students to choose from, any many of them also offer full self-paced degree programs.
How Self-Paced Online Degree Programs Make Higher Education More Affordable
Education can be expensive, so many students are interested in finding out about affordable online colleges. But many don't realize that self-paced online degree programs can help them save even more money.
The cheapest self-paced online colleges typically charge tuition per term instead of per credit hour. This means students can take as many credit hours as they want each term for the same flat rate.
Highly motivated students can take heavy courseloads in self-paced programs, potentially finishing their degrees in shorter timeframes. Since tuition is charged per term, students who finish in fewer terms can potentially save thousands of dollars on their degrees.
How To Find Online Degrees in Florida With Self-Paced Options
In Florida, the only schools that provide self-paced courses are the University of Florida and Florida National University. You can find these programs by doing an online search for self-paced programs at each school.
At the University of Florida, you'll find these courses on the school's Flexible Learning webpage. Here, you can browse available courses, find general information, and enroll as a student.
At Florida National University, all online degree programs are self-paced. Simply browse online programs to find out more about the school's self-paced options.
Self-Paced Courses vs. Other Online Courses
Traditional online courses typically require students to participate in some live sessions or complete regular assignments. While they provide a lot of flexibility, they are also structured enough to keep students moving through the coursework at a steady pace.
Self-paced courses provide additional flexibility. Though programs may have a time limit (like 16 weeks or six months), they typically feature few or no project deadlines, require no live or scheduled participation, and are available 24/7 during the course period. Students can truly complete these courses at their own pace.
FAQs About Enrollment and Financial Aid for Self-Paced Online Learning
If you still have questions about attending accredited self-paced online colleges, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer some common questions.
What Is the Cheapest Online College With Flexible Schedules in Florida?
The cheapest self-paced online college in Florida is the University of Florida. In-state tuition for self-paced courses costs $212.71 per credit hour or $638.18 per course.
Is Financial Aid Available for Self-Paced Online Programs in Florida?
Yes, both the University of Florida and Florida National University are online colleges that accept FAFSA and other forms of financial aid. At the University of Florida, only those admitted as degree-seeking students are eligible for financial aid when taking self-paced courses. You can find out more about financial aid for Florida residents on the Florida Student Scholarship and Grant Programs website, which is maintained by the Florida Department of Education.
How Can I Register for Online Classes in a Self-Paced Program?
Each school will have its own process for registering for self-paced courses. Visit your school's website to learn more about registering for the specific classes you plan to take. If you need extra help, an admissions advisor at the school should be able to walk you through the process.
Explore Bachelor's Degree Online Programs Today
If you're ready to find out more about self-paced distance learning opportunities, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to discover more about their available programs and to find the right one for you.