Cheapest Online Colleges in Florida
Think Florida, think online education - and think affordable. From Tallahassee to Miami, the state's colleges and universities are committed to providing stellar online programs that'll slot seamlessly into your schedule, without crippling your wallet.
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With California and Texas ahead of it, Florida comes in third for the most degree-granting institutions in the country - an impressive feat for the Sunshine State. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition at Florida's public colleges is significantly below the national average.
With this extensive and high-quality college system, students in Florida have easy access to a multitude of online learning opportunities. Looking for an affordable online college in Florida? All your bases are covered with our handpicked selection.
Methodology
EDsmart rankings are based on data provided by NCES IPEDS reports via College Scorecard. All schools must provide four data points that EDsmart relies on to rank higher education institutions:
- Average Net Price
- Graduation Rate
- Retention Rate
- Median Earnings
Any school missing any one of the data points was not considered in our ranking. Only 4-year schools were considered for this ranking.
The rankings below are based solely on their average net prices.
EDsmart ranks colleges by Net Price, not just tuition, to show real costs. Net Price includes grants and scholarships, giving a more accurate picture of affordability.
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
1. Hobe Sound Bible College
- Average Net Price: $5,111
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Median Earnings: $39,863
Hobe Sound Bible College has an admission rate that is unavailable, indicating that it may have unique or varying admission criteria. The average cost of attendance is $17,228, which is relatively low compared to many other institutions. In-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are both set at $7,960, making it equally affordable for all students regardless of residency. However, the median debt for students who have completed their studies is not available. Hobe Sound Bible College is the Most Affordable Online College in Florida.
2. University of Florida
- Average Net Price: $6,275
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Median Earnings: $71,588
The University of Florida has a competitive admission rate of 23.35%, reflecting its selective nature. The average cost of attendance is $21,359. In-state tuition and fees are $6,381, while out-of-state students pay significantly more at $28,659. Graduates typically have a median debt of $15,000.
3. Florida State University
- Average Net Price: $6,450
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Median Earnings: $61,675
Florida State University admits about 25.04% of applicants, indicating a competitive admissions process. The average cost of attendance stands at $23,308, with in-state tuition and fees at $5,656 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $18,786. Students who complete their studies typically graduate with a median debt of $18,000.
4. The Baptist College of Florida
- Average Net Price: $7,594
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Median Earnings: $42,836
The Baptist College of Florida has a high admission rate of 92.11%, indicating a more inclusive admissions policy. The average cost of attendance is $19,539. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are the same at $12,450. Graduates often carry a median debt of $23,590.
5. The University of West Florida
- Average Net Price: $8,300
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Median Earnings: $49,137
The University of West Florida admits 48.03% of applicants, suggesting a moderately selective admissions process. The average cost of attendance is $18,357. In-state tuition and fees are $6,360, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $19,241. The median debt for graduates is $16,624.
6. Florida Atlantic University
- Average Net Price: $8,636
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Median Earnings: $56,746
Florida Atlantic University has an admission rate of 81.32%, making it relatively accessible. The average cost of attendance is $20,118. In-state tuition and fees are $4,879, significantly lower than the out-of-state fees of $17,324. Graduates typically have a median debt of $17,236.
7. Florida International University
- Average Net Price: $8,722
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Median Earnings: $60,249
Florida International University accepts 63.86% of its applicants, reflecting moderate selectivity. The average cost of attendance is $19,666. In-state tuition and fees are $6,565, and out-of-state fees are $18,963. Graduates tend to leave with a median debt of $16,500.
8. University of North Florida
- Average Net Price: $8,852
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Median Earnings: $56,343
The University of North Florida has an admission rate of 70.50%. The average cost of attendance is $18,984. In-state tuition and fees are $6,389, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $20,793. The median debt for graduates is $15,531.
9. University of South Florida
- Average Net Price: $9,203
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Median Earnings: $57,743
The University of South Florida admits 43.93% of applicants, indicating a selective admissions process. The average cost of attendance is $21,383. In-state tuition and fees are $6,410, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $17,324. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $17,988.
10. University of Central Florida
- Average Net Price: $9,949
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Median Earnings: $58,308
The University of Central Florida has an admission rate of 41.04%, reflecting its competitive admissions. The average cost of attendance is $22,662. In-state tuition and fees are $6,368, and out-of-state fees are $22,467. Graduates usually have a median debt of $18,190.
11. Florida Gulf Coast University
- Average Net Price: $10,161
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Median Earnings: $54,560
Florida Gulf Coast University accepts 74.39% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $17,054. In-state tuition and fees are $6,118, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $25,162. Graduates generally have a median debt of $17,622.
12. Trinity College of Florida
- Average Net Price: $15,808
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 41%
- Median Earnings: $32,465
Trinity College of Florida has an admission rate of 59.77%. The average cost of attendance is $25,298. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $16,300. The median debt for graduates is $23,250.
13. Bethune-Cookman University
- Average Net Price: $15,861
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Median Earnings: $38,518
Bethune-Cookman University admits 84.97% of its applicants. The average cost of attendance is $29,551. In-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are both $14,794. Graduates often carry a median debt of $31,000.
14. Saint Leo University
- Average Net Price: $19,031
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Median Earnings: $48,364
Saint Leo University admits 80.10% of its applicants. The average cost of attendance is $40,214. In-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are both $27,050. Graduates typically have a median debt of $25,278.
15. Warner University
- Average Net Price: $19,645
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 46%
- Median Earnings: $46,086
Warner University has an admission rate of 55.10%. The average cost of attendance is $39,677. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,044. The median debt for graduates is $22,250.
16. Florida Southern College
- Average Net Price: $27,404
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Median Earnings: $55,294
Florida Southern College has an admission rate of 56.61%. The average cost of attendance is $55,055. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $40,500. Graduates usually have a median debt of $25,000.
17. Nova Southeastern University
- Average Net Price: $28,219
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Median Earnings: $59,209
Nova Southeastern University accepts 75.80% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $53,370. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $36,300. Graduates typically have a median debt of $24,250.
18. Florida Institute of Technology
- Average Net Price: $28,552
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Median Earnings: $43,137
Florida Institute of Technology admits 64.37% of its applicants. The average cost of attendance is $57,630. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $43,670. Graduates generally carry a median debt of $27,000.
19. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
- Average Net Price: $33,865
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Median Earnings: $39,696
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale has a high admission rate of 96.53%. The average cost of attendance is $43,353. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $24,136. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $26,125.
20. Lynn University
- Average Net Price: $36,359
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Median Earnings: $49,006
Lynn University admits 80.11% of its applicants. The average cost of attendance is $58,188. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $41,550. Graduates usually have a median debt of $17,940.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Insights and Analysis
Overview of Rankings
The rankings present a diverse array of institutions in terms of affordability, graduation rates, retention rates, and median earnings. Here's a deeper analysis highlighting some key trends and comparisons among the listed schools.
Net Prices and Affordability
Hobe Sound Bible College boasts the lowest average net price at $5,111, making it the most affordable option among the listed schools. Despite its low graduation rate (44%), it provides an accessible education with minimal financial burden. On the opposite end, Lynn University has the highest average net price at $36,359, which significantly raises the cost barrier for students.
Graduation Rates and Median Earnings
The University of Florida stands out with a high graduation rate of 88% and impressive median earnings of $71,588, indicating a strong return on investment for its graduates. Florida State University also performs well with a graduation rate of 82% and median earnings of $61,675. In contrast, Bethune-Cookman University has the lowest graduation rate at 36%, coupled with lower median earnings of $38,518, which may concern prospective students.
Tuition Comparisons
Most colleges show a significant disparity between in-state and out-of-state tuition. For instance, the University of Florida's in-state tuition is $6,381, while out-of-state tuition jumps to $28,659. Similarly, Florida State University’s in-state tuition is $5,656 compared to $18,786 for out-of-state students. This discrepancy emphasizes the financial advantage for in-state students.
Net Price vs. Tuition
While some colleges maintain relatively low net prices despite higher tuition fees, others reflect their high tuition in their net prices. Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University, for example, offer in-state tuitions of $4,879 and $6,565, respectively, but their net prices are closer to $8,636 and $8,722, respectively. This indicates effective financial aid and support systems.
Median Earnings and Debt
Analyzing median earnings in relation to debt provides insight into financial sustainability post-graduation. The University of Florida and Florida State University offer high median earnings ($71,588 and $61,675) with relatively low median debts ($15,000 and $18,000), making them attractive options for students. Conversely, Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale graduates face substantial debt ($26,125) with modest median earnings ($39,696), highlighting a potential financial strain.
Accessibility
Several institutions, such as Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale (96.53% acceptance rate) and The Baptist College of Florida (92.11% acceptance rate), exhibit high admission rates, indicating greater accessibility. These colleges provide opportunities for a broader range of students, though they may come with varying financial implications.
Special Callouts
- Low Median Debt: Hobe Sound Bible College’s data lacks median debt information, but its low net price and tuition suggest manageable financial commitments for students.
- Selective Institutions: The University of Florida and Florida State University’s competitive admissions processes (23.35% and 25.04% acceptance rates) align with their high graduation rates and earnings, suggesting a correlation between selectivity and student outcomes.
Comparative Summary
- Most Affordable: Hobe Sound Bible College - lowest net price at $5,111.
- Highest Earnings: University of Florida - median earnings at $71,588.
- Highest Net Price: Lynn University - average net price at $36,359.
- Lowest Graduation Rate: Bethune-Cookman University - graduation rate at 36%.
- Best Return on Investment: University of Florida - high earnings and low median debt.
This analysis highlights the diverse landscape of Florida’s colleges, offering insights into their financial, academic, and economic profiles. Prospective students can use this information to make informed decisions based on their financial situations, career aspirations, and academic preferences.