Ranking the 25 Best Low-Cost Online Colleges in Florida
To develop this ranking, our editors began with an initial pool of over 50 accredited Florida schools offering fully online degree programs. To narrow the list to 25 and rank the very best options, we applied the rating and ranking methodology above, using information gathered from each school’s website as well as credible sources, including College Navigator and Payscale. What follows is the results of this extensive research: the 25 top affordable online colleges in Florida.
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#25—Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Points: 5
An active member of the National Council State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), Florida Gulf Coast University is one of the best affordable online colleges in Florida. The school offers fully online courses for undergraduate and graduate students, including fully online master’s programs in Health Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, Special Education, and more. Additionally, all of the upper division courses to complete the BS degree programs in Criminal Justice, Health Sciences, and Legal Studies are also offered completely online. Online certificate programs are also available in Health Services Administration, Planning, and Local Government Management. Florida Gulf Coast University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC) to award these online programs. The university has been ranked a top 100 regional university and a top 30 public school by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $13,456
#24—Bethune-Cookman University
Daytona Beach, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 6
A historically black university founded in 1904, Bethune-Cookman University is now among the top affordable online colleges in Florida. It is a faith-based school and is officially affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school offers fully online undergraduate and graduate programs. Bachelor’s degree students have eight different programs to choose from, including BA programs in International Studies and Sociology as well as BS options in Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology, Hospitality Management, Information Systems Management, and more. Graduate students can pursue online master’s degrees in Criminal Justice Administration, Exceptional Student Education, Christian Ministry, or Organizational Leadership. An online graduate certificate in Christian Ministry is also available. Bethune-Cookman University is SACSCC-accredited and has been ranked among the top 30 historically black colleges and universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $17,313
#23—State College of Florida- Manatee-Sarasota
Bradenton, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Points: 6
Established in 1957, State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota is now one of the best affordable online colleges in Florida for undergraduate students. It also happens to be the largest public college in the region. The college offers six fully online bachelor’s degree programs, including an RN to BSN, a BS in Early Childhood Education, and BAS programs in Technology Management, International Business and Trade, and Public Safety and Emergency Management. Associate degree students have nearly as many options to choose from, including AS programs in Accounting Technology, Technology Project Management, and Marketing. Nine different online certificate programs are also available, enabling students to earn professional credentials in Network Security, Homeland Security, Network Server Administration, and more. Hybrid programs are also available. SCF-Manatee-Sarasota is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Net Price: $12,772
#22—University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Points: 6
The University of West Florida is one of the leading low-cost online colleges in Florida for both undergraduate and graduate students. For undergrads, the school offers six fully online programs, including an RN to BSN, BA programs in Exceptional Student Education and Maritime Studies, and BS offerings in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Health Sciences, and Instructional Design and Technology. For grad students, there are even more options available; these include nineteen different programs and over 30 specializations. Master’s students will find options in English, Information Technology, Mathematics, Geographic Information Science, and more while postgrad students will find both a specialist and doctoral program in Curriculum and Instruction. U.S. News & World Report has ranked UWF one of the top 200 schools in the nation for online bachelor’s degrees.
Net Price: $11,550
#21—Saint John’s River State College
Palatka, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 6
Saint John’s River State College is one of the best options for undergraduates seeking an affordable online college in Florida. The school offers six fully online Associate of Science (AS) degree programs in areas such as Accounting Technology, Health Services Management, Health Information Technology, and Computer Programming and Analysis, for instance. An Associate of Arts (AA) program is also available, but it may include some on-campus elements depending on the subject area students choose to major in. Those who want a more advanced degree can choose from bachelor’s programs in Nursing or Organizational Management. Saint John’s River State College is committed to providing high-quality workforce training programs, so degree programs are vocationally-focused. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Net Price: $6,351
#20—Pensacola State College
Pensacola, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Points: 6
One of the best low-cost online colleges in Florida, Pensacola State College offers online degree programs for undergraduates from its eLearning Department. The school offers a fully online RN to BSN program along with several associate degree programs, including degrees in General Studies, Business Administration, and Criminal Justice Technology, for instance. For non-degree seeking students, the school offers online advanced technical certificates in subject areas such as human resource management, law enforcement administration, and project management, for example. Pensacola State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has named it a top regional college in the South and a top public school. It has also ranked PSC’s online bachelor’s degree programs among the best in the country.
Net Price: $5,607
#19—Florida Gateway College
Lake City, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 6
Florida Gateway College is one of the top affordable online colleges in Florida for associate and bachelor’s degree students. The school’s two-year offerings include a general Associate in Arts program as well as Associate in Science programs in Early Childhood Education, Environmental Science Technology, and Business Administration. Students desiring a more advanced degree can choose from bachelor’s programs in Nursing, Early Childhood Education, and Water Resources Management. A variety of online college credit certificates are also available to non-degree seeking students. Florida Gateway College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award undergraduate degrees online.
Net Price: $4,942
#18—Indiana River State College
Fort Peirce, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Points: 6
Indiana River State College is one of the leading low-cost online colleges in Florida, thanks to its virtual campus. The school offers several fully online associate degree programs, including an AA degree and AS degrees in Health Information Technology, Computer Information Technology, Business Administration, and Criminal Justice Technology. Bachelor’s degree students can choose from nearly a dozen different programs of study, including Information Technology Management and Cyber Security, Elementary Education, Public Administration, Organizational Management, and more. A bachelor’s in nursing is also available, but there is an on-campus clinical component required. Indiana River State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is a member of the Quality Matters program.
Net Price: $1,064
#17—Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Points: 7
Florida State University is a leading low-cost online college in Florida for undergraduate students with an associate degree as well as for graduate students. The school offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in the areas of Computer Science, Sociology, Criminology, and Public Safety and Security. The latter program features three distinct concentration options: Crime Scene Investigation, Law Enforcement Intelligence, and Law Enforcement Operations. Undergraduates may also pursue online certificate programs in Leadership Studies, Public Administration, Multicultural Marketing Communication, U.S. Intelligence Studies, and more. For graduate students, there are many more options, including a Juris Master, an MS in Information Technology, several master’s in education offerings, and two EdD programs. U.S. News & World Report has ranked many of the school’s online programs among the best in the nation, awarding especially high marks for its online criminal justice programs.
Net Price: $16,450
#16—University of North Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 7
The University of North Florida is one of the top affordable online colleges in Florida for students interested in pursuing a degree in healthcare. The school offers two fully online offerings: an online RN to BSN and an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The programs are accelerated; the RN to BSN can be completed in as few as 12 months, and the DNP takes just 24 months for full-time students. Even so, UNF’s online students can choose to complete their degree at a more relaxed pace if they need to. The University of North Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award these degrees online. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the top 15 public schools in the nation and has also called it a “Best Value School.”
Net Price: $13,524
#15—University of South Florida-St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 7
A leading affordable online college in Florida, the University of South Florida-St. Petersburg offers three fully online graduate programs: a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master’s in Digital Journalism and Design, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. Many other undergraduate and graduate programs at USF-St. Petersburg offer online learning opportunities. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the top 75 regional universities in the South, among the top 50 best value schools in the nation, and among the top public schools in the country. In addition, the publication has placed the school’s online MBA among the best 35 in the United States and the best 20 for veterans.
Net Price: $11,419
#14—Hobe Sound Bible College
Hobe Sound, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 7
Hobe Sound Bible College is one of the best affordable online colleges in Florida for students interested in attending a faith-based school. The college offers numerous options for undergraduates, including associate degree programs in Counseling, Intercultural Studies, and Ministerial Studies, for example. For bachelor’s degree students, programs include BA options in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and General Christian Studies among others. The school also offers an MA in Instruction and Learning and an MA in Educational Leadership for its graduate students. Hobe Sound Bible College is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Net Price: $9,814
#13—Northwest Florida State College
Niceville, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Points: 7
As a leading low-cost online college in Florida, Northwest Florida State College offers three fully online bachelor’s degrees online as well as fifteen online associate degree and certificate programs. Hybrid offerings are also available as are nearly 200 different online courses that can be taken for credit. Bachelor’s degree students can choose from a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Management and Supervision, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing, or a BS in Early Childhood Education. Associate degree students can choose to study academic subjects like Computer Information Science, Fire Science Technology, Psychology, Social Work, Business, and more. College credit certificate programs are also available to distance students in subjects such as Homeland Security, Office Management, and Business Management, for instance. NFSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award undergraduate degrees online.
Net Price: $7,963
#12—Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 7
Daytona State College recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, and today, it is a leading low-cost online college in Florida. The school offers a variety of undergraduate programs, including seven fully online associate degrees in subjects such as Business Administration, Criminal Justice Technology, Internet Services Technology, Office Administration, and more. Students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree program will find five online programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering Technology with an optional concentration in Electrical Engineering Technology, and a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Supervision and Management. Numerous online certificate programs are also available in academic areas like Entrepreneurship, Office Support, Cybersecurity and Cyberforensics, Project Management, and more. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school’s online bachelor’s degree programs among the top 50 in the nation and the top 25 for veterans.
Net Price: $6,064
#11—Warner University
Lake Wales, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 8
A leading low-cost online college in Florida for undergraduates, Warner University offers both fully online associate and master’s degrees. Associate offerings include programs such as the AA in General Studies and AS programs in Christian Ministry and Agricultural Studies, for example. Bachelor’s degree students can pursue credentials in Education Studies, Business Administration, and Criminal Justice. Enrolled students can take classes on a part-time or full-time basis, and some programs can be completed in as little as a year. Warner University is a faith-based school affiliated with the Church of God. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 60 best regional colleges in the South. The school’s online programs also received top marks from this reputable publication.
Net Price: $17,768
#10—Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Points: 8
With over two decades of experience providing online instruction, Florida International University is easily one of the best low-cost online colleges in Florida. The school is one of the most prolific in our ranking, offering over two dozen bachelor’s degree programs and nearly as many master’s degree programs completely online. Undergraduates can choose majors such as Biology, Communication Arts, Economics, Early Childhood Education, Finance, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, and more. For graduate students, there are also a wide variety of subjects to choose from, including African and African Diaspora Studies, Criminal Justice, Engineering Management, Global Strategic Communications, and Health Services Administration, for instance. Florida International University is SACSCC-accredited, and U.S. News & World Report has awarded it the #100 spot in its ranking of the Top Public Schools in the nation. It has also ranked seven of its online programs among the best in the nation.
Net Price: $12,219
#9—St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Points: 8
St. Petersburg College is one of the most comprehensive options for undergraduate students looking for a top low-cost online college in Florida. The school offers a variety of different Associate in Science degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and certificate programs. For associate-level students, there are AS degrees available in computer information technology, business administration, computer programming and analysis, cybersecurity, and more. Students pursuing a bachelor’s credential can choose from majors such as Elementary Education, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Public Safety Administration, and Health Services Administration, for example. Non-degree seeking students can earn certificates online in computer programming, business entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and computer support, for instance. St. Petersburg College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC) to award undergraduate degrees online.
Net Price: $7,077
#8—Eastern Florida State College
Cocoa, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 8
Eastern Florida State College is one of the most affordable online colleges in Florida and in our ranking. The school offers numerous options for undergraduate students, including certificate, associate, and bachelor’s programs. For associate students, there’s a general AA program as well as AS offerings in Business Administration, Social and Human Services, Office Administration, and Criminal Justice Technology. Students desiring a bachelor’s credential will find options in Nursing, Organizational Management, Computer Information Systems Technology, and Applied Health Sciences. College credit and advanced technical certificates are also available via distance education. EFSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award undergraduate degrees online.
Net Price: $5,354
#7—Trinity College of Florida
Trinity, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Points: 9
Trinity College of Florida has become one of the top choices for students looking for affordable online colleges in Florida. A faith-based school, the college emphasizes gospel-centered instruction and offers fully online degree completion programs through its signature Trinity Quest program. Bachelor’s degree-seeking students with an associate degree can choose to study Counseling Psychology, Organizational Leadership, or Christian Ministry. Programs are accelerated, and students can earn their BS credential in as little as two years. Multiple start dates also make it convenient for students to begin working on their degrees. Hybrid options are also available to students willing to attend evening classes. Trinity College of Florida is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education to award online undergraduate degrees. It is also an active member of the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.
Net Price: $17,498
#6—University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Points: 9
A leading low-cost online college in Florida, the University of Central Florida has been recently been ranked as one of the most innovative schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers a full range of online degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate students from online bachelor’s degree programs to online doctorates. BA and BS options are available, and majors include English, Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Nursing, Interdisciplinary Studies, and more. Many online minors are also available. Over two dozen fully online master’s degree programs are offered to graduate students, with popular options such as the MS in Digital Forensics, Executive Master of Health Administration, and MS in Aerospace Engineering. Graduate certificates and mixed mode programs are also available. UCF offers a variety of student support services to its distance learners.
Net Price: $15,341
#5—The Baptist College of Florida
Graceville, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Points: 9
Founded in 1943, The Baptist College of Florida is now one of the leading low-cost online colleges in Florida. The school offers fully online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, and course delivery is primarily asynchronous for maximum flexibility. Associate degree students can choose from three different programs: an AA in General Studies, an AA in Music, and an Associate of Divinity. Bachelor’s degree students, on the other hand, have well over a dozen different offerings, including plans of study in Elementary Education, English, Ministry Studies, Psychology, and History/Social Studies, for example. Graduate students can choose from either an MA in Christian Studies or an MA in Music and Worship Leadership. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, The Baptist College of Florida is the only college or university supported by the Florida Baptist Convention. It is also a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), enabling it to serve students outside the state. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school’s online bachelor’s degree programs among the best in the nation.
Net Price: $8,183
#4—Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Points: 9
Florida State College at Jacksonville is one of the top affordable online colleges in Florida for undergraduate students. Associate degree students can choose from programs in Accounting Technology, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Office Administration, and more. Bachelor’s degree students have as many options to choose from, including majors in Supervision and Management, Early Childhood Education, Financial Services, Information Technology Management, and Logistics, for example. Some accelerated options are also available to students in a hurry to earn their credentials, and some programs can be completed via a blended learning format. Florida State College at Jacksonville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC).
Net Price: $4,422
#3—University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 10
The University of Florida is one of the leading low-cost online colleges in Florida, offering many different types of online degrees, including bachelor’s degrees, degree completion programs, master’s degrees, specialists degrees, and doctoral degrees. Online minors and certificate programs are also available. Distance students can choose fields of study such as business administration, computer science, anthropology, biology, education, and more. Career services are available, and students receive the same degree upon graduation as traditional students. The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award online undergraduate and graduate degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked UF a top 50 national university. Its online bachelor’s, MBA, and graduate education programs are ranked among the top 5 nationwide.
Net Price: $15,283
#2—Miami Dade College
Miami, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 10
Now among the top affordable online colleges in Florida, Miami Dade College has been offering online courses since 1999. Through its Virtual College, the school offers many different degree programs and certificates for undergraduates, including an Associate of Arts program and seven different Associate of Science degrees in areas like Criminal Justice Technology, Business Entrepreneurship, and Marketing Management, for example. For students desiring a bachelor’s credential, fully online programs include an RN to BSN offering as well as degree plans in Public Safety Management and Supervision and Management. Hybrid programs in Supply Chain Management and Information Systems Technology are also available. Non-degree seeking students can pursue online college credit certificates in more than a dozen subject areas, including Graphic Design, Entrepreneurship, Homeland Security, Marketing Operations, and more. Miami Dade College has been named the #3 Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $7,062
#1—University of South Florida- Tampa
Tampa, Florida
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Points: 11
Founded in 1956, the University of South Florida- Tampa has become a top-tier research university as well as one of the best affordable online colleges in Florida. The school offers a large number of fully online degrees for both undergraduate and graduate students. This includes seven online bachelor’s degree programs, including an RN to BSN, a BA in Criminology, BS programs in Information Studies and Information Technology, and BSAS offerings in Criminal Justice and Public Health, for example. There are even more options for graduate students, including over 35 different master’s degree programs in subjects like engineering, education, business, medicine, arts, and more. Specific offerings include an MBA, MA programs in Gifted Education and Global Sustainability, and MS degrees in Engineering Management, Cybercrime, and Health Informatics. A PhD program in Career and Workforce Education is also available online. USF- Tampa is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has named it one of the top 75 best value schools in the nation. It has also awarded high rankings to the school’s online MBA, graduate computer information technology, graduate engineering, and graduate education programs.
Net Price: $11,766
Sources:
- National Center for Education Statistics
- School Websites