Cheapest Online Colleges in Florida [2026 Guide]
by EDsmart Staff · Updated July 2026
The cheapest online colleges in Florida by average cost after aid are University of Florida Online (about $4,815), the University of Florida, and New College of Florida. Other public options that also land near the top of our list include FAU, FIU, UWF, USF, UNF, and UCF, all under about $10,500 average cost after aid.
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Key facts
- University of Florida Online posts the lowest average cost after aid on this list at about $4,815.
- Nine Florida publics here sit under $10,500 average cost after aid, including FAU, FIU, UWF, USF, UNF, and UCF.
- Highest median earnings among these Top 20: Florida Polytechnic University (~$87,000).
We rank Florida four-year schools with complete College Scorecard data by average net price (lowest first). Start with the Top 5 cheapest online colleges in Florida, then review the full list, residency costs, and FAQs. For our broader outcomes model, see how we rank colleges.
Table of contents
- Key facts
- Top 5 cheapest online colleges in Florida
- Most affordable online colleges in Florida
- How Florida online college costs compare nationally
- How much does online college cost in Florida?
- Bright Futures for online college in Florida
- Affordable Florida College System online options
- Cheap online colleges in Florida: what the data shows
- FAQ about cheap online colleges in Florida
- Related guides on affordable online colleges
- Sources
Top 5 Cheapest Online Colleges in Florida
These are the five lowest average net prices in our Florida ranking. Average net price is the typical cost after grants and scholarships. School profiles and the full Top 20 continue below.
| Rank | School | Average net price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Florida Online | $4,815 |
| 2 | University of Florida | $6,541 |
| 3 | New College of Florida | $7,195 |
| 4 | Florida Atlantic University | $8,752 |
| 5 | Florida International University | $9,288 |
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Most Affordable Online Colleges in Florida
Below is the full ranked list of affordable online colleges in Florida in our comparison, with graduation, retention, earnings, tuition, and debt context for each school.
University of Florida Online
PublicUF Online is Florida’s dedicated online bachelor’s campus and the cost leader on this list. Students earn the same University of Florida degree from UF instructors, with pathways that include business, computer science, criminology, psychology, and an RN to BSN. UF Online also markets itself as U.S. News’ top-ranked online bachelor’s program for 2026—useful context alongside the Scorecard cost figures here. Confirm current programs and tuition on the UF Online website.
University of Florida
PublicUniversity of Florida is the main Gainesville campus behind UF Online’s brand. It posts selective admissions with some of the strongest graduation and earnings outcomes in the state. Use it when you want flagship outcomes and low cost after aid—and compare the residential/hybrid path against UF Online’s fully remote catalog. Confirm current programs and tuition on the University of Florida website.
New College of Florida
PublicNew College of Florida is a small public honors college with a low average cost after aid. Competitors rarely feature it as a distance school, and for good reason: it is not a fully online university. Only shortlist it if your major clearly supports online or hybrid delivery. Confirm current programs and tuition on the New College website.
Florida Atlantic University
PublicFlorida Atlantic University keeps resident sticker costs low while offering online bachelor’s and graduate options, including upper-division pathways competitors often cite in criminal justice, health sciences, and legal studies. A practical public pick if you want accessibility without giving up a real distance catalog. Confirm current programs and tuition on the FAU website.
Florida International University
PublicFlorida International University (FIU Online) is one of Florida’s most-cited distance catalogs—competitors highlight decades of online delivery and a wide bachelor’s and master’s lineup. Choose FIU when program breadth matters and you still want a Top 5 net-price finish in our Florida ranking. Confirm current programs and tuition on the FIU website.
University of West Florida
PublicUniversity of West Florida shows up constantly in “cheap online Florida” guides. Standouts include a CCNE-accredited RN to BSN that UWF describes as 100% online (with local practice activities) plus online options in health sciences and related fields. A strong shortlist school when flexibility and healthcare pathways matter. Confirm current programs and tuition on the UWF website.
University of South Florida
PublicUniversity of South Florida offers a wide online footprint for bachelor’s and graduate students—competitors often highlight RN to BSN, criminology, IT, and public-health style pathways. It fits if you want scale, solid retention, and a net price that still sits under about $10,000 after aid. Confirm current programs and tuition on the USF website.
University of North Florida
PublicUniversity of North Florida is frequently framed as a healthcare-leaning online option, including RN to BSN and advanced nursing pathways. Completer debt also lands among the lower figures on this list—useful if you are balancing price with nursing career goals. Confirm current programs and tuition on the UNF website.
Baptist University of Florida
Private nonprofitBaptist University of Florida (formerly The Baptist College of Florida) is a faith-based campus with asynchronous online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s options. One tuition rate for everyone can help out-of-state online students, but weigh retention carefully against that sticker predictability. Confirm current programs and tuition on the Baptist University of Florida website.
University of Central Florida
PublicUniversity of Central Florida is one of Florida’s largest online providers across bachelor’s and graduate programs—AI Overviews and competitor lists often call out UCF for scale and competitive resident rates. Pick it when catalog size matters and you still want a public net-price profile near the middle of this ranking. Confirm current programs and tuition on the UCF website.
Florida State University
PublicFlorida State University is selective and finishes strong on graduation and retention. Competitor guides usually describe FSU online as stronger for degree-completion and graduate study than for a full freshman-to-senior catalog—confirm format before you apply. Confirm current programs and tuition on the FSU website.
Florida Polytechnic University
PublicFlorida Polytechnic University posts the highest median earnings on this Top 20 even with a mid-pack net price. It is a STEM-focused public; programs may mix online coursework with on-site requirements, so verify delivery before you enroll. Confirm current programs and tuition on the Florida Poly website.
Bethune-Cookman University
Private nonprofitBethune-Cookman University is a historically Black, faith-affiliated university with online bachelor’s and graduate options that competitor lists often note in areas like psychology, hospitality, and organizational leadership. Affordability alone is not enough—put graduation and debt next to any aid offer before you commit. Confirm current programs and tuition on the Bethune-Cookman website.
Hobe Sound Bible College
Private nonprofitHobe Sound Bible College is a small faith-based school with low published tuition and online options in ministry, education, and related Christian studies pathways. Admission rate and median debt are not reported in College Scorecard, so ask the school directly for those details. Confirm current programs and tuition on the Hobe Sound Bible College website.
Florida Gulf Coast University
PublicFlorida Gulf Coast University offers fully online courses and several fully online master’s options, plus upper-division online pathways competitors often mention in criminal justice, health sciences, and legal studies. A solid public choice if those fields match your plan. Confirm current programs and tuition on the FGCU website.
Edward Waters University
Private nonprofitEdward Waters University is a private HBCU with a lower sticker than many private peers. Completion and earnings trail most public options on this list, so ask for a personalized net-price estimate and confirm which programs truly run online before you decide. Confirm current programs and tuition on the Edward Waters website.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
PublicFlorida A&M University (FAMU) is a selective public HBCU. Confirm which degrees you can finish online or in a hybrid format before you treat it as a distance option—do not assume every FAMU major is fully remote. Confirm current programs and tuition on the FAMU website.
Strayer University-Florida
Private for-profitStrayer University-Florida is a for-profit, online-heavy option aimed at working adults. College Scorecard shows a 100% graduation rate for a small reporting cohort, so treat that figure carefully and compare total cost, transfer rules, and career outcomes with the school. Confirm current programs and tuition on the Strayer website.
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico-Orlando
Private nonprofitPolytechnic University of Puerto Rico–Orlando serves Florida students in engineering and related fields. Retention is low compared with peers here, so verify that your major is available online and ask how support services work for distance learners. Confirm current programs and tuition on the PUPR Orlando website.
Atlantis University
Private for-profitAtlantis University is a private Miami-area school and the highest average cost after aid on this Top 20. Compare accreditation, online program format, and transfer-credit rules before you enroll. Confirm current programs and tuition on the Atlantis University website.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.How Florida Online College Costs Compare Nationally
Average net price is what students typically pay after grants and scholarships. Using College Scorecard figures in our July 2026 rankings data (schools with complete net-price, graduation, retention, and earnings data), here is how the benchmarks stack up:
- National median: about $20,150
- Southeast median: about $18,870 (South Atlantic + East South Central states)
- Florida median: about $21,930
- Florida public median: about $9,810
Every school in our Top 5 cheapest online colleges in Florida lands well below the national and Florida medians. University of Florida Online’s $4,815 average net price is roughly 76% below the national median. FAU, FIU, UWF, and USF also sit under—or right at—the Florida public median, which is the fairest peer group for many in-state online shoppers.
Private nonprofit and for-profit options farther down the Top 20 can still look “cheap” versus private stickers elsewhere, but several sit closer to (or above) the Florida statewide median. Use the Scorecard net price next to residency tuition and fees before you assume a private campus is a bargain.
How Much Does Online College Cost in Florida?
Many search results quote per-credit tuition for UF Online, FIU Online, UWF, and UCF. Those sticker rates help you compare catalogs, but they are not the same as average cost after aid. Distance-learning or technology fees can also change the final bill.
- Residency: Florida residents usually see the largest discount at public universities. Out-of-state online students often pay higher per-credit rates unless a school publishes a flat online rate.
- Fees vs. tuition: Ask whether online students pay a distance-learning fee, per-course tech fee, or campus fees that do not apply to remote learners.
- Aid stacking: Complete the FAFSA, then compare institutional scholarships and Florida Bright Futures where you qualify.
- Program level: Associate pathways and master’s rates differ from bachelor’s sticker prices—even at the same school.
Bright Futures for Online College in Florida
Florida Bright Futures is a lottery-funded merit scholarship for eligible Florida high school graduates. It applies to online enrollment at eligible public institutions the same way it applies to on-campus classes: the award is based on the tuition the school charges for your credit hours.
Florida Academic Scholars vs. Florida Medallion Scholars
- Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): Typically covers 100% of tuition and applicable fees at Florida public colleges and universities (within credit-hour and time limits).
- Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): Typically covers 75% of tuition and applicable fees at State University System schools. At Florida College System institutions, FMS students in associate programs generally receive 100% of tuition and fees—one reason starting at a state college can stretch aid further before you transfer.
Exact GPA, test-score, and service-hour thresholds change by graduating class. Confirm current rules with the Florida Department of Education Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) and your school’s aid office.
Online fees Bright Futures usually does not cover
Bright Futures covers standard tuition and applicable fees. Many campuses add a distance-learning or online course fee on top of that base rate. Those online-only fees are typically excluded from Bright Futures, so even an FAS student can owe a balance. Ask for a full fee schedule before you enroll.
UF Online charges a discounted resident rate (about 75% of standard UF in-state tuition). Bright Futures pays against the tuition you are actually billed, so FAS/FMS awards at UF Online follow that discounted sticker—not the higher main-campus rate.
Bright Futures does not require the FAFSA, but filing FAFSA still helps you stack Pell Grants and need-based aid for books, housing, and fees Bright Futures leaves uncovered.
Affordable Florida College System Online Options
Several Florida College System schools advertise bachelor’s tuition near $90–$120 per credit for residents. Names you will see often include Seminole State College of Florida, Daytona State College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Indian River State College, St. Petersburg College, Broward College, Eastern Florida State College, Florida Gateway College, Northwest Florida State College, and Florida Southwestern State College. Those campuses can be strong low-sticker routes if you plan to transfer or finish a BAS/BS online.
Common online bachelor’s pathways at FCS schools include RN to BSN, supervision and management / organizational leadership, information systems or cybersecurity, health sciences, early childhood education, criminal justice or public safety administration, and business administration. Exact catalogs change by campus—confirm the degree is fully online (or hybrid) before you enroll.
Public FCS and State University System campuses are generally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). That regional accreditation is the baseline quality signal competitors emphasize; still verify program-level accreditation for fields like nursing.
They are not in the Top 20 above because this guide is limited to four-year institutions with complete College Scorecard net-price, graduation, retention, and earnings fields. If your priority is the lowest published per-credit rate, compare those state-college catalogs alongside the public university net-price leaders here.
Cheap Online Colleges in Florida: What the Data Shows
Where the lowest costs after aid sit
University of Florida Online leads our comparison at about $4,815 average cost after aid, with the University of Florida campus next at about $6,541. Most public universities on the list land between about $8,700 and $12,600 after aid, which still undercuts many private online options.
Completion and earnings still matter
UF and FSU pair high graduation rates (91% and 86%) with strong median earnings. Florida Polytechnic University posts the highest median earnings among these Top 20 ($86,952) even with a mid-pack net price. Edward Waters University and Bethune-Cookman show much lower completion rates, which is a reminder that a lower bill only helps if you finish.
In-state vs. out-of-state tuition
Public schools still show large residency gaps. UF’s in-state tuition and fees are about $6,381 versus about $28,659 out-of-state; FSU’s gap is about $5,656 versus $18,786. Private and faith-based campuses on this list more often charge one rate for everyone, so out-of-state online students sometimes find those stickers easier to predict even when average cost after aid runs higher.
FAQ About Cheap Online Colleges in Florida
What is the cheapest online college in Florida?
By College Scorecard average net price among Florida four-year schools with complete data, University of Florida Online is the lowest on this list at about $4,815. If you mean the lowest published per-credit bachelor’s sticker at Florida College System schools, Seminole State and Daytona State are often cited near $92 per credit for residents. Those pathways sit outside this four-year net-price ranking.
What is the cheapest online college to go to?
It depends on residency and how you measure cost. For Florida residents shopping online bachelor’s options in this guide, University of Florida Online posts the lowest average cost after aid (~$4,815). Nationally, the cheapest sticker can be a different school or subscription model—compare average net price and accreditation, not just marketing rates. See our national cheapest online colleges guide for a broader list.
What is the cheapest college in Florida?
For many residents, Florida College System schools post the lowest per-credit stickers (often about $90–$120 for bachelor’s-level coursework). Among four-year schools with complete Scorecard data, University of Florida Online leads this ranking on average net price after aid. Public SUS campuses like FAU, FIU, UWF, and USF also land under about $10,000 average cost after aid here.
Is UF Online cheaper than other Florida publics?
Yes on average net price in our comparison. UF Online’s average cost after aid (~$4,815) undercuts FAU, FIU, UWF, USF, UNF, UCF, and FSU. Your bill still depends on residency, credits enrolled, and aid.
Does Bright Futures cover online classes in Florida?
Yes. Bright Futures applies to eligible online enrollment at Florida public institutions based on the tuition charged for your credits. Florida Academic Scholars typically cover 100% of tuition and applicable fees; Florida Medallion Scholars typically cover 75% at State University System schools (and usually 100% for associate study at Florida College System schools). Distance-learning or online-only course fees are usually not covered, so confirm the fee schedule.
Do out-of-state students pay more for online Florida degrees?
Usually yes at public universities, unless a program advertises a flat online rate. Always check the distance-learning tuition table—not only the main campus catalog.
Is net price the same as tuition?
No. Tuition is the sticker rate before aid. Average net price estimates what students pay after grants and scholarships and is the sort key for this ranking.
Will FAFSA pay for online college?
FAFSA does not pay your bill by itself. It is the application colleges and the federal government use to determine eligibility for Pell Grants, federal loans, work-study, and many state or school awards. Accredited online programs at Title IV schools can qualify for the same federal aid types as on-campus programs. File the FAFSA early, then confirm with each school’s financial aid office which awards apply to your online enrollment.
Does Florida have a free college program?
There is no statewide program that makes every online degree free for every student. The closest routes are Bright Futures for eligible Florida high school graduates, Pell Grants and need-based aid, dual enrollment in high school, and campus last-dollar or promise programs for qualifying students. Stacking those awards can bring tuition close to $0—especially at public schools—but you still need to meet eligibility rules and watch uncovered online fees.
How can I go to college in Florida for free?
Florida does not guarantee free college for everyone. Many students get close to $0 tuition by stacking aid: Bright Futures (see the Bright Futures section above), Pell Grants, institutional scholarships, and fee waivers when they qualify. Dual enrollment can also cover college credits while you are in high school. File FAFSA even if you expect Bright Futures, so you can cover costs the scholarship leaves out.
What colleges in Florida offer free tuition?
No Florida college is free for every student. Public universities and Florida College System schools can become effectively free for eligible students through Bright Futures, Pell, last-dollar promise programs, and institutional grants. Ask each school about promise or last-dollar programs (for example, some campuses advertise guarantees for Pell-eligible students) and get a personalized award letter before assuming $0.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Florida?
Open-admission or near-open-admission Florida College System schools are usually the easiest entry points—competitors often cite campuses such as Broward College, Daytona State College, and Florida State College at Jacksonville with very high acceptance rates. That is not the same as “best” or “cheapest after aid.” Confirm the online program, transfer rules, and graduation outcomes before you enroll.
What is the cheapest and easiest college to get into in Florida?
“Cheapest” and “easiest” are different questions. On this net-price list, University of Florida Online is the cheapest after aid, but it is not open-admission. Many Florida College System schools report very high acceptance rates (sometimes near 100%) and lower per-credit stickers. A high admit rate does not mean a low bill or strong outcomes—compare net price, graduation rates, and program fit.
What's an easy degree that pays well?
There is no reliably “easy” degree that guarantees high pay. Programs that often show stronger median earnings in labor and Scorecard data include nursing, information technology/computer-related fields, and some business or engineering technology pathways—but they still require serious coursework and licensing where applicable. Use median earnings on school profiles, not social-media lists, and pick a major you can finish.
Who is eligible for a tuition fee waiver in Florida?
Florida and individual colleges offer fee waivers for specific groups (examples can include certain foster-care / adopted students, homeless students, and other categories under state law or campus policy). Eligibility rules change, so check the Florida Department of Education and your school’s bursar or financial aid pages. A waiver is not the same as Bright Futures or a K–12 school-choice scholarship.
How long do you have to live in Florida to get free college?
Living in Florida does not automatically make college free. For in-state tuition at most State University System campuses, you generally need Florida as your permanent domicile for at least 12 consecutive months before classes start, with documentation. Bright Futures and other “near-free” aid have their own rules (often tied to Florida high school graduation and merit requirements). Moving only for school usually does not unlock free tuition—confirm residency and aid with the registrar and financial aid office.
At what age can you go to college for free in Florida?
There is no universal free-college age cutoff in Florida. High school students can often take dual-enrollment credits at little or no tuition. Recent high school graduates may use Bright Futures if they meet GPA, test, and service requirements. Some campuses also have programs for adult or returning students, but “free at age X” is not a statewide rule—eligibility comes from aid programs, not a birthday.
What is the $8,000 school voucher in Florida?
People usually mean Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship / education savings account (often about $8,000 on average, with the exact amount based on grade level and county). It is primarily a K–12 private-school and education-expense program, not a free four-year college tuition plan. Some ESA funds can support approved educational expenses that may include certain college-related costs for eligible K–12 participants, but it is not the same as Bright Futures or a university “free tuition” offer. Check current Florida Department of Education and scholarship-funding organization guidance for award amounts and allowed uses.
Related Guides on Affordable Online Colleges
Sources
College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education / NCES IPEDS). Florida Bright Futures and residency rules: Florida Department of Education / OSFA and campus registrar pages. Family Empowerment Scholarship averages: Florida Department of Education FES guidance. Accreditation context: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for public Florida colleges and universities. School tuition and program details should be confirmed on each institution’s website. Figures reflect College Scorecard data in our July 2026 update.
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