BVS Staff
Welcome to our best value ranking of online colleges in Florida.
There are more than 100 different institutions of higher education in Florida, and approximately 1 in 3 offer decent opportunities for online students. Of those online-accessible schools, we’re bringing you the 15 “best value.” These top 15 colleges all earned at least 60 points (out of 100) in our ranking.
Methodology
Click here to read all about our best value online schools ranking methodology. Also see our ranking of best overall colleges: Top Colleges for a Cheap Online Degree.
15. Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Nova Southeastern University brings the college campus to you with its robust distance learning initiatives. Whether you’re located in Ft. Lauderdale, the state of Florida, the United States, or across the ocean, NSU’s online programs make it possible to take the same accredited online college courses in Florida that have earned this school its reputation worldwide. In addition to an enormous range of online degree programs that span Nursing, Psychology, Recreational Therapy, Business, and more, online learners at NSU also have access to an Electronic Library, student discussion boards, multimedia course resources, and real-time “electronic classrooms.”
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $27,660/yr
Score: 63
14. Bethune-Cookman University
Daytona Beach, FL
Bethune-Cookman University is another top online college in Florida that makes affordable education accessible to students spread far and wide. In addition to its competitive price, B-CU is notable for the depth and breadth of its curricular offerings, which feature more than 10 degrees that are available entirely online and accessible from anywhere in the country. At the undergraduate level, B-CU offers virtual degree programs that include Bachelor of Arts degrees in Liberal and International Studies, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in Information Systems Management, Accounting, Psychology, and Hospitality Management.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $14,410/yr
Score: 64
13. Warner University
Lake Wales, FL
At Warner University, students of faith have the opportunity to study at a top online school in Florida that caters to their spiritual values. Whether they are looking to pursue a career in the Church or a secular field, Warner’s educational opportunities open doors to a number of meaningful and promising careers; vocational degrees in Business Administration, Educational Leadership, and Health Care Management are all highly valued in religious and secular communities alike. And for students who have their heart set on spiritual leadership, Warner’s Transformational Christian Ministry program is a tried and true pathway to Christian stewardship.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $19,754/yr
Score: 66
12. Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
Florida Atlantic University may have built its reputation as one of the most affordable online schools in Florida—and it is—but that’s not the only reason students flock to its virtual campus to find life-changing undergraduate degrees. In fact, FAU is also known for its prodigious range of online degree offerings, which span the Departments of Nursing, Education, Engineering and Computer Science, [Natural] Science, Design and Social Inquiry, and Nursing. Needless to say, FAU’s competitive price and comprehensive list of online undergraduate programs places it a league of its own.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $4,831/yr
Score: 67
11. Seminole State College of Florida
Sanford, FL
Seminole State College of Florida is among the very few accredited online colleges in Florida that actually outstrips Florida Atlantic University both in terms of in-state tuition and total degree offerings (Seminole State features a whopping 190+). And while Seminole’s online degree offerings are substantially curtailed by comparison, it nonetheless provides a range of programs wide enough to turn heads. Comprised exclusively of Bachelor of Science degrees, Seminole provides online students with a broad selection of promising opportunities that include Business, and Information Management; Construction; Engineering Technology; Health Sciences; and Information Systems Technology.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $3,131/yr
Score: 68
10. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL
The scope of Saint Leo University’s online program is so comprehensive that it is virtually (no pun intended) indistinguishable from a conventional college experience. Like traditional, on-campus students, online learners at SLU can select from vocational and academic bachelor’s degrees housed within the Schools of Business; Arts and Sciences; and Education and Social Services. With a net total of more than 20 majors and minors available to online students alone, it’s no surprise that nearly two-thirds of students at this top online college in Florida qualify as distance learners in some capacity.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $20,830/yr
Score: 70
9. St. Petersburg College
Clearwater, FL
With over 20,000 students enrolled in its distance learning programs alone, St. Petersburg College’s eCampus has rightfully earned its title as “Florida’s largest online campus.” But how did it earn this pivotal role in the state’s educational ecosystem—not to mention its Top-10 Florida best online college ranking? Price is one factor that certainly cannot be discounted, and SPC’s in-state tuition is staggeringly low—less, even, than the annual insurance on a new car—but it’s St. Petersburg’s equally staggering range of degree and certification offerings that truly put it over the top.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $3,352/yr
Score: 71
8. University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL
With an in-state tuition equal to that of Seminole State and St. Petersburg College combined, the University of West Florida may seem expensive by comparison. Yet UWF remains one of the best deals in the state of Florida, and even offers out-of-state tuition waivers to subsidize the education of distance learners from around the country. UWF’s range of affordable online degrees in Florida is also nothing to sneeze at, featuring rare and exciting undergraduate programs such as Maritime Studies; Career and Technical Education; and even something called Exceptional Student Education.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $6,360/yr
Score: 73
7. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Florida State University’s commitment to adult and continuing education is evident in the depth, range, and convenience of its degree completion programs. Also called “advanced standing degree programs,” FSU’s online offerings serve as valuable follow-up opportunities for students who have earned 60 or more transferable credits at an accredited institution and are ready to complete their education. Whether they bring an associate’s degree to the table or simply fulfill the requisite number of approved courses, students who wish to earn their accredited online degree in Florida from FSU are able to do so from the comfort of their own home, wherever in the country that may be.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $6,507/yr
Score: 75
6. The Baptist College of Florida
Graceville, FL
Thanks to an impressive graduation rate of nearly 80%, the Baptist College of Florida is rightfully known as one of the best online schools in Florida. Online students and other distance learners have full access to the degree programs and curricula available on-campus, and even have the advantage of being able to study “asynchronously”—i.e. at the their own pace, without a set class time. While they necessarily sacrifice some of the intimacy and networking opportunities of a traditional education, online students from out of state trade it for something much more valuable: a degree from BCF!
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $10,000/yr
Score: 77
5. Florida International University
Miami, FL
At first glance, Florida International University may sound like an oxymoron, but this top online school in Florida truly lives up to the cosmopolitanism its name implies. FIU is designed to provide a world-class education to anyone in the world, whether they are Florida locals or international students looking for an American degree at an affordable rate. As such, FIU’s 12 online bachelor’s degrees are invaluable career starters for students of all backgrounds; from Finance to Logistics and Supply Chain Management, a degree from FIU is the perfect way to find traction in an increasingly global marketplace.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $6,556/yr
Score: 80
4. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Daytona Beach, FL
With the #1 Florida online college ranking from U.S. News in 2016, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is a well-known superstar in distance learning. Nevertheless, the school – as its name implies – doesn’t exactly offer something for everyone. Embry-Riddle’s singular focus is both its greatest strength and weakness in terms of placement on this list. While it’s undeniable that price and quality of education are hallmarks of the Embry-Riddle experience, students who do not possess strong technical aptitude can hardly be expected to excel at this rigorous and challenging institution.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $8,520/yr
Score: 81
3. University of South Florida
Tampa, FL
At 68%, the University of South Florida’s graduation rate already puts in the highest tier of affordable online colleges in Florida. Far more than an impressive statistic, USF students’ penchant for success is a symptom of the university’s exceptional opportunities and support services. Its diverse array of online bachelor’s programs draw students from around the country to learn and grow through on online portal that is as effective as it is convenient. To carry them from matriculation to graduation, USF deploys a full suite of student resources—including pre-employment testing services and career advisement—that are well worth the price of admission.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $6,410/yr
Score: 83
2. University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
Offering over 60 affordable online degrees in Florida for an in-state tuition of just above $6,000 a year, the University of Central Florida may very well lay claim to the best degree to price ratio on this list. And while that metric alone can’t prove the strength of UCF’s educational quality, it represents one of the many ways that this top university excels in providing exception experiences for online students near and far. Bolstering Central Florida’s claim to fame, both U.S. News and Affordable Colleges Online include UCF on their rankings of top colleges.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $6,368/yr
Score: 84
1. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Leading our Florida best online degree rankings in price, graduation rate, and online enrollment is none other than the University of Florida. Quantitatively speaking, it’s undeniable that the online education one can receive at UF is second to none. And from a qualitative standpoint, the accessibility and opportunity that the school affords are sure to warm your heart and bring hope to the cash-strapped. For first generation college students, working parents, and senior citizens alike, UF provides a clear pathway to an undergraduate degree – all for pennies on the dollar, from a top 15 public university, and without a single campus commute required!
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $6,381/yr
Score: 100
What did you think of these top online degrees in Florida?
Interested in on-campus options? See: 30 Best Value Colleges and Universities in Florida
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