Top Colleges in Florida
Discovering a full list of accredited colleges in the State of Florida has never been more elementary than with MatchCollege. We have an extensive portal for all types of colleges from private universities to public colleges and liberal arts schools to community colleges across the Florida state college system. You can find a complete full list of accredited colleges along with the associated online degrees in Florida offered by higher education institutions. Top ranked colleges are listed in an easy to read format that includes important data, degree programs, 3D campus tours, courses, acceptance rates, enrollment trends, attendance statistics, and career insights for college-bound students.
The state of Florida is home to a diverse population of Americans and an equally diverse number of institutions of higher learning. The state itself is one of the largest in the United States, occupying much of the southeast. The state is a peninsula jutting out into the Caribbean and forming the eastern rim of the Gulf of Mexico. The state is a vacation location for many college students during spring break, with multiple locations throughout the state becoming host to the multitudes of parties thrown during that time. Florida is bordered by Alabama and Georgia to the North.
Bachelor Degree Granting School’s
- Miami Dade College (Miami)
- Palm Beach State College (Lake Worth)
- Northwest Florida State College (Niceville)
- Chipola College (Marianna)
- Daytona State College (Daytona Beach)
The primary public university system in the state of Florida is the State University System of Florida. The system is comprised of 11 universities located throughout Florida, and serves approximately 320,000 students in a given year. The system was established in 1954, and has maintained its structure despite the changing governing bodies of Florida’s state education systems over the years. The system operates on a budget of nearly 3 billion dollars a year, with several of the schools serving as research institutions.
The state is home to two public education systems. The first, the Florida College System, was originally known as the Florida Community College System but changed its name to reflect that some of the colleges within the system have begun to offer four year degrees. The Florida College System offers low cost education for the first two years of a college student’s career, typically covering the general education requirements of a four year major. Additionally, the Florida College System provides technical and vocational training to its communities in order to prepare individuals for a successful future in a given field. The system is comprised of 28 colleges located throughout the state.
2024 Best Colleges in Florida
| Colleges | Location | Cost | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| SABER College | Lake Park, FL | $42,475.00 | 94.41% |
| Concorde Career Institute – Jacksonville | Temple Terrace, FL | $50,048.00 | 66.89% |
| Merkaz Bnos – Business School | Daytona Beach, FL | $28,300.00 | 72.9% |
| Concorde Career Institute – Miramar | Jacksonville, FL | $43,552.00 | 59.2% |
| Concorde Career Institute – San Antonio | Orlando, FL | $17,701.00 | 74.06% |
| Concorde Career Institute – Orlando | Orlando, FL | $17,005.00 | 64.32% |
| Galaxy Medical College | Palm Coast, FL | $14,700.00 | 91.11% |
| Concorde Career Institute – Tampa | Miramar, FL | $16,395.00 | 62.12% |
| University of Miami | Miami, FL | 83.08% | |
| University of Florida | Orlando, FL | 88.26% | |
| Florida State University | Lakeland, FL | 83.08% | |
| Management Resources Institute | Kissimmee, FL | $38,366.00 | 79.88% |
| University of South Florida | Avon Park, FL | 75.08% | |
| National Aviation Academy | Tampa, FL | $38,500.00 | 70.03% |
| University of Central Florida | Kissimmee, FL | 72.28% | |
| Rollins College | Miami, FL | 74% | |
| Career Care Institute | Altamonte Springs, FL | $30,226.00 | 65.69% |
| Florida Southern College | Gainesville, FL | 67.51% | |
| Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid | West Palm Beach, FL | 81.25% |
The most populous city in Florida is Jacksonville, followed by Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. While the most populous county in Florida is Miami-Dade County with Broward County close behind. If you are interested in visiting the state of Florida, consider visiting their state page or the state chapter of the Chamber of Commerce.
While exploring Florida’s diverse educational landscape, don’t forget to discover Wilton Manors, a unique city that embodies the state’s inclusive spirit. Though not home to a major university, this vibrant community near Fort Lauderdale offers a rich cultural experience for students. Its proximity to several colleges makes it an attractive location for those seeking a diverse, welcoming environment. Students who choose to live or spend time in Wilton Manors while attending nearby institutions can enjoy a blend of academic pursuits and community engagement, enriching their college experience beyond the classroom.
Where can I find online degrees at Florida colleges?
Through the College Navigator Tool, the U.S. Department of Education lists 98 institutions that currently offer distance learning courses. With so many options, it can be difficult narrowing the search for online degrees. Consider starting your search with the three schools with a strictly distance learning curriculum found here. Alternatively, the top 4 schools with the highest enrollment also have a surplus of online degree programs. Click on the following links to explore each school: University of Florida Online (UF Online), University of South Florida (USF), University of Central Florida (UCF), Florida State University (Distance@FSU).
Which free online classes can I take from Florida colleges?
Through Class Central, there are a multitude of free online classes available to the public from at least seven Florida universities. Course topics range widely. Most of the courses can be accessed through the Canvas Network, Coursera, and Blackboard. Check out the link above to find Florida universities with current course offerings or click here for course listings.
Which Florida online colleges will accept FAFSA?
Whether it’s through Distance@FSU or USF or UF Online, most Florida online colleges accept FAFSA. As early as October 1st each year, students can file for FAFSA. Renewal applications must be submitted annually in order to determine or maintain eligibility. The U.S. government provides the FAFSA4caster tool, which estimates eligibility for federal aid. If you need assistance completing the FAFSA, be sure to reach out to the financial aid department at your prospective universities for support!
Is taking college online more affordable in Florida?
At some schools such as UF Online, taking courses online is more affordable than in-person learning. UF Online considers residency as a factor in determining tuition rates. For this academic calendar year, residents can attend UF Online for $129.18 per credit hour. The non-resident rate is $552.62 per credit hour. While UCF also considers residency status, the school’s traditional versus online tuition rates are comparable. The current online rates are $179.19 per credit hour for residents and $715.80 per credit hour for non-residents, which includes a non-resident fee. At the Florida Institute of Technology, a distance learning only school, the tuition rate is $510 per credit hour.
Do online Florida colleges accept a GED?
Yes! Prospective students with GED’s have many options to study online at Florida colleges. Currently, USF requires applicants to have a minimum score of 500 on each of the five tests that comprise the GED in addition to total SAT or ACT score requirements. Check out their academic catalog or connect with an admissions counselor to inquire about your scores. UF Online and Distance@FSU also accept GED’s. While competitive applicants typically have higher GED scores than the minimum score requirements, applicants with minimum scores can draw attention to other qualifying features of their application packet. Personal statements, extracurricular commitments, sports or club participation, and volunteer hours, for example, boost the competitiveness of applications as well.
Which colleges in Florida accept the most transfer credits?
Determining credit transferability involves varying factors including course offerings of the admitting university, individual transcripts, and class standings. Each university conducts a unique process to calculate how many credits from previous schools have value at a succeeding school. One thing is for sure in the state of Florida though. All course credits are transferable between state public institutions. If you are a Florida transfer student with credits from one state public school in the process of applying to another state public school, all transfer credits will crossover. For more details, explore the course catalog at FloridaShines. Additionally, all students with an Associates of Arts degree from a Florida state college are guaranteed admission into at least one of Florida’s state universities.
- Public Universities & Colleges
- Private Universities & Colleges
- Community Colleges
- Bible & Christian Colleges
- Liberal Arts Colleges
There are twenty-five public 4-year state universities and colleges in Florida. These four-year institutions predominantly offer bachelor’s or higher level programs and some may even include research facilities. See a state-wide list of the state universities and colleges in Florida.
2022 Best Colleges in Florida
Exclusive college search technology has been designed to help students find and apply for colleges in Florida quickly regardless of whether you are looking for a 2-year or 4-year colleges. Learning more about Florida college majors and statistics is just a click away that include financial aid, student to teacher ratios, enrollment, sports programs, and top degree programs for top ranked Florida colleges and universities. Find out today what colleges exist in Florida, how much tuition is for a private and public college in Florida, and college degrees that are the best fit for you.
A simple request to have any number of accredited colleges in Florida will result in an admissions packet to be send directly to you in a safe secure manner. Learn what it takes to qualify for a specific college degree program or online degree by talking directly with an admission’s officer at the school and discover your financial aid options today.
Degree Breakdown State of Florida
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Browse Schools by Career in Florida
Follow the links below to get information on accredited schools in our database that offer programs or degrees.
Medicine & Healthcare
- Medical Schools in Florida (M.D.) (9 Schools)
- Pharmacy Schools in Florida (Pharm. D.) (5 Schools)
- Physical Therapy Schools in Florida (DPT, MPT)
- Veterinary Schools in Florida (D.V.M.) (1 School)
- Nursing Schools in Florida (BSN, RN, LPN, …) (173 Schools)
Law & Criminal Justice
- Law Schools in Florida (J.D.) (10 Schools)
College Student Resources
Get access to hundreds of free educational resources and quality career guides for high school students and Alaska college graduates. Our tools include exclusive research, tips and resources to find the perfect college match for you based on your personal criteria. The key to finding your perfect college match is to understand your personal criteria, learning style, career objectives, and vocational goals before selecting a school. Utilize our resources below to make the most of your educational experience.
- Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process
- Graduate College Debt Free
- Going Back to College to Learn a New Skill or Trade
- Creating a Budget in College
- How to Reduce the Cost of College
- Unpacking Free College Tuition Programs
- Attending College as an Adult
- Avoiding Scholarship Scams
- How College is Financed
- State Department of Education
- Higher Education Agency
- Adult Education Agency
Drawing on her experience as a middle and high school teacher, Margaret Lipman strives to provide valuable insights for students when writing about scholarships and college application strategies in her articles for Scholarship Institute.
