Best Online Colleges in Florida of 2026
Thinking about earning your degree online? Check out our list of the best online colleges in Florida for 2026, based on factors like affordability and flexibility.
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2026Want to study in Florida? The Sunshine State has over 160 private and public four-year colleges that attract students from all over the world. And with the growth of online degree programs, those students can attend without actually moving.
Studying online can provide an even cheaper college education, with many Florida distance learning programs offering discounts to out-of-state students.
So, we looked at admission rates, net price, graduation rates, and more to create a comprehensive list of the best online colleges in Florida.
Top Online Colleges in Florida
How We Rank Schools
Florida Atlantic University — Most Undergraduate Business Programs
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: FAU offers a wider variety of business bachelor’s majors and undergraduate certificates than any other school in this ranking.
Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) College of Business offers an online bachelor’s of business administration (BBA) with seven majors to choose from: accounting, business economics, finance, hospitality and tourism, management, management information systems, and marketing. This can give you more flexibility to align your studies with your career goals.
FAU also offers an online business bachelor's program in health administration, plus four undergraduate certificates in club, event, casino and gaming, and hospitality and tourism management. For comparison, the next school to offer the most undergraduate business programs in this ranking is Florida International University, which offers six BBA majors and two undergraduate certificates — fewer than FAU.
FAU also provides strong career support for business students, even after graduation. The university’s career center partners with both local and national businesses — including EY and Sherwin-Williams — to help students connect with potential employers. Additionally, FAU hosts a virtual career fair for online students each semester, giving them the opportunity to network with recruiters.
What We Like About FAU
- FAU’s Online Enrollment & Student Success Team offers comprehensive support for online students, including help with admissions and course scheduling.
- Online students have full access to FAU's library catalog. They can also borrow items from other public colleges and universities in Florida with their library card.
What We Don't Like
- FAU doesn’t grant credit for prior learning, meaning students can’t use previous work experience to earn credits or have certain classes waived.
- This school doesn’t participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps veterans pay tuition costs that aren’t covered by standard military benefits — like the GI Bill.
100%
78%
56%
100%
- Online Enrollment
- 69%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 2,522
- Retention Rate
- 84%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $14,374
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,607
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida International University — Most Undergraduate Online Degree Options
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: FIU stands out for offering 50 undergraduate programs, including bachelor’s degrees, minors, and certificates,
Florida International University (FIU) features an extensive online undergraduate catalog, including 50 bachelor's programs, 23 minors, and 27 undergraduate certificates. This is much more than other schools on this list, which offer around 30 or fewer undergraduate programs.
FIU’s bachelor's degree offerings span business, health professions, social sciences, biological sciences, psychology, and engineering — the most popular academic fields of study, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The school also offers online programs in other fields like education, hospitality, and sustainability.
This variety extends to the minor and certificate levels. Options range from minors in marketing, logistics, political science, and business communication to undergraduate certificates in banking, social media, international trade, and conflict dispute resolution.
What We Like About FIU
- There are scholarships available for FIU’s online students, including a one-time $500 scholarship for undergraduates with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.
- FIU’s Academy of Leaders Online is a noncredit workshop that helps distance learners develop their leadership skills through case studies and other activities.
- The Florida Board of Governors distinguished FIU as a Preeminent State Research University in 2024, meaning the state considers it a top-performing research institution.
What We Don't Like
- While FIU is a solid option for undergraduate students, its graduate offerings are more limited. This school is the only university in this ranking that doesn’t offer online doctoral programs.
100%
100%
67%
83%
- Online Enrollment
- 66%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 6,168
- Retention Rate
- 93%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $18,566
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,817
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Central Florida — Most Affordable for In-State Graduate Students
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: UCF charges the lowest in-state tuition rate for graduate studies.
Florida residents pay $327 per credit hour for online master’s programs at the University of Central Florida (UCF) — the lowest in-state graduate tuition rate among the schools on this list.
The next most affordable school is Florida Atlantic University at $372 per in-state graduate credit hour — a difference of about $45 that adds up to around $1,350 over the course of a 30-credit master's program. Other schools charge upwards of $400 per credit. Florida International University, for instance, charges Florida residents $456 per graduate credit hour.
UCF estimates that full-time online Florida residents will pay approximately $5,902 per year on graduate tuition and fees — around $12,000 over two years. For comparison, a BestColleges analysis found that in-state students typically pay around $19,000-$27,000 for master's programs.
What We Like About UCF
- UCF partners with six public community colleges in Florida to make it easier to transfer from a two-year program to UCF.
- Over a dozen online success coaches help online students by directing them to program-specific supports to help maintain good grades.
- Students can complete a single application to be considered for over 200 scholarships at once.
What We Don't Like
- Not every online master's program at UFC costs $327 per credit. Five out of 50 online programs cost between $487-$1,239 per credit: social work, executive health services administration, healthcare systems engineering, healthcare informatics, and research administration.
100%
100%
83%
83%
- Online Enrollment
- 9%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 6,368
- Retention Rate
- 92%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $22,467
- Acceptance Rate
- 45%
- Students Enrolled
- 69,338
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Florida — Most Extensive Online Degree Offering
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: UF offers over 200 online degree and certificate programs, significantly more than other schools on this list.
The University of Florida (UF) offers 240 online programs across undergraduate, graduate, and certificate levels. No other university on this list offers more than 150 online programs, putting UF ahead in terms of overall online program variety.
UF’s online portfolio includes 27 bachelor's programs, 94 master's programs, 10 doctoral programs, and 109 certificates. These options include popular fields such as business, education, and nursing, as well as niche subjects that include master's programs in agribusiness and Latin.
Moreover, many online programs include multiple concentration options that allow students to further dial in on their interests. The master's in mass communication degree, for example, offers concentrations in digital journalism, public relations, web design, social media, public interest communication, and digital strategy.
Overall, UF’s extensive catalog offers students a wide range of academic routes and multiple ways to specialize within a specific career field.
What We Like About UF
- Some online programs offer both undergraduate and graduate certificate options, allowing students to add focused credentials to their studies.
- Students can schedule virtual career planning appointments to discuss postgraduation job goals, resume tips, and interviewing techniques.
What We Don't Like
- Undergraduate applicants who graduated from high school within the last five years must submit SAT, ACT, or Classic Learning Test (CLT) scores.
- UF says that competitive first-year applicants have a high school GPA of 3.7 or higher, making it one of the more selective institutions in this ranking.
100%
100%
83%
83%
- Online Enrollment
- 59%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 4,477
- Retention Rate
- 98%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $25,694
- Acceptance Rate
- 24%
- Students Enrolled
- 56,311
- Institution Type
- Public
University of South Florida — Best for Earning Microcredentials
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why we chose it: USF is the only school on our list to offer online microcredential programs.
The University of South Florida (USF) is the top choice for earning microcredentials, offering more than 40 online programs aligned with in-demand skills such as artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and data analytics.
Unlike traditional degrees, which span broader fields over several years, these programs target a single skill and can be completed in a shorter timeframe — anywhere from a day to several months. Most are awarded as a certificate or a digital badge you can add to your resume or LinkedIn profile.
For working adults, this format is convenient. You can upskill without stepping away from your current job and stack verified credentials to help strengthen your earning potential.
Some of USF's microcredentials are entirely free and can be completed in as little as six hours. Others are more comprehensive, running about 10 weeks and costing up to $3,000. This range allows you to choose the pace and price point that best fit your needs.
What We Like About USF
- Besides microcredentials, USF has 60 master's programs and 55 graduate certificate online programs.
- USF’s Center for Students offers free mental health support through TimelyCare, including counseling and mindfulness coaching.
- Online students get access to medical services at the Sarasota-Manatee, St. Petersburg, and Tampa campuses.
What We Don't Like
- If you would rather earn a bachelor’s degree, note that USF’s online undergraduate offering is limited. Currently there are four: bachelor of general studies, bachelor of science in applied science, bachelor of science in accounting, and bachelor of arts in criminology.
- USF charges a $30 fee per credit hour for distance learning.
68%
$ 4,559
91%
$15,473
- Acceptance Rate
- 43%
- Students Enrolled
- 49,622
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Measured Student Satisfaction: We partnered with College Pulse to bring you data from students themselves on the schools on our list. The data and reviews aren’t part of our ranking methodology.
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like affordability, program offering, and online student services. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in October 2025.
Why Should I Attend College in Florida?
- Quality Instruction: Florida colleges often rank highly on our lists due to their standout educational offerings. In fact, students at the state’s public, four-year schools have the highest graduation rate (82.4%) in the country — based on the percentage of students completing their studies within six years.
- Low In-State Tuition: Florida residents pay much lower in-state tuition than students in other states: around $3,840 per year at public institutions, compared to the national average of $8,780.
- Diverse Classrooms: Due to its strategic location, Florida is an international educational hub, attracting over 44,500 international students both online and in the classroom.
How Much Is Tuition in Florida?
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-Year (In-State Student) | $3,840 |
| Public 4-Year (Out-of-State Student) | $13,992 |
| Private 4-Year | $23,812 |
The cost for a four-year, public college in Florida is typically just under $4,000 per year for in-state students, compared to nearly $14,000 for out-of-state students. Private colleges cost even more — around $24,000 per year, which is roughly six times the in-state rate of public colleges.
However, many students qualify for financial aid, including grants and scholarships, which lowers the overall cost of attendance.
Florida residents can access federal aid opportunities by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, there are state-specific programs like the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which can cover up to 100% of your tuition if you attend a public institution and meet the program’s requirements.
Still, the cost of living can be high in Florida — higher than in most other states. This is particularly true if you attend a school in higher-cost areas of the state, like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, where median monthly rent exceeds $2,500.
Online learning is one way to avoid the additional expenses often tied to traditional, on-campus education. For instance, studying online can save you money, on things like gas, rent, and meals.
Additionally, many online colleges offer scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for online students. Some online universities also offer flat-rate tuition prices regardless of where you live.
Accreditation for Colleges in Florida
In Florida, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has long been the primary accreditor for four-year, degree-granting institutions.
But a new state-level accreditor has stepped in as a potential accreditor for Florida’s public institutions: the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE).
There is currently some controversy over whether the agency will be taken seriously due to its initial political leanings. So for now, it’s best to look for schools with SACSCOC accreditation.
Note that both online and traditional colleges typically receive accreditation from the same agencies. However, verifying the accreditation of online colleges is particularly important because it can help you avoid online programs that are masquerading as legitimate learning institutions.
If you’re enrolling in a specialized program, like teaching or nursing, you’ll want to ensure that it holds programmatic accreditation.
For instance, nursing programs in Florida should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). For teaching programs, the top accreditor is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Students can search the Department of Education’s accreditation database to determine their school’s accreditation status. For programmatic accreditation, you’ll want to look at the program’s page on your school’s website.
Most In-Demand Jobs in Florida
| Job | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 59% | $129,010 | Master’s degree |
| Data Scientists | 47% | $105,820 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Information Security Analysts | 42% | $105,990 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Statisticians | 39% | $104,160 | Master’s degree |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 39% | $46,130 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 39% | $164,620 | Master’s degree |
| Physician Assistants | 38% | $127,200 | Master’s degree |
| Actuaries | 38% | $123,220 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 38% | $66,100 | Associate degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 37% | $106,280 | Bachelor’s degree |
Health and technology occupations like nurse practitioners, data scientists, and information security analysts are projected to see the most growth in Florida over the next several years. Each of these is anticipated to grow by more than 40% by 2032.
All these roles boast high median salaries, exceeding $100,000 a year. And aspiring data scientists and information security analysts typically only need a bachelor’s degree.
Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, need to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), become a registered nurse (RN), complete a doctoral nursing program, and pass a national board certification exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Florida
The University of Florida (UF) is the best college in Florida, according to our ranked list. Florida residents pursuing undergraduate degrees at UF enjoy an average tuition of less than $5,000 a year. Tuition is even lower for in-state online students. The institution also boasts a high retention rate of 97%, proving that most UF students want to return the following year.
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