2025 Best Online Community Colleges in Florida
Known for their diverse program offerings, online community colleges in Florida provide degrees across various fields. These schools typically feature competitive tuition rates and ample student support services to keep you on track to achieve an affordable undergraduate degree in two to four years.
Key Takeaways:
- South Florida State College boasts the highest graduate earnings at $70,340 per year.
- Ultimate Medical Academy features the best student reviews with a score of 4.29 out of 5.
- Our most affordable colleges in Florida have tuition costs as low as $2,513.
The methodology used for this page diverges from traditional rankings by focusing on criteria that are most important to online students, such as affordability, earnings potential, popularity, and alumni reviews. By showing schools based on these categories, you can make a choice that best aligns with your educational and career goals.
At a Glance:
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Ultimate Medical Academy
- Online Enrollment: 7,326
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is a leading provider of online healthcare education, offering 8 associate degree programs and 3 diploma programs. Our programs are tailored to prepare you for a high-demand industry, with 1.8 million job openings projected annually from 2022-2032. At UMA, you can earn your associate degree in as few as 18 months while enjoying flexible online classes limited to 25 students. Our comprehensive support includes 24/7 technical assistance, personalized career guidance, and certification preparation. UMA is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools and is committed to your success both academically and career-wise.
Best by Salary Score
Schools in this category are assessed based on their graduates' salaries, using early career earnings data from the College Scorecard. All schools with the best median graduate earnings in Florida exceed $45,500.
South Florida State College
Why We Like Them:
SFSC is noteworthy due to its exceptional median earnings for graduates, which are $70,340 and in the top 5% compared to other institutions. This impressive statistic earns SFSC an A+ grade using our Salary Score metric. Add to this the fact that 864 students study online, providing you with ample opportunity for interaction and networking. SFSC offers a range of online courses to cater to various academic interests. You can choose to study asynchronously, synchronously, or through a hybrid format that includes some face-to-face interactions. However, only three online programs are available in the arts, nursing, and supervision and management.
Florida Gateway College
Why We Like Them:
We recognize FGC for its strong post-graduation earnings, with a median salary of $48,057, placing it in the top 54% for earnings among graduates. Complementing this is its significant online enrollees (1,335), where it fits in the top 30%. This suggests a broad and accessible digital footprint that accommodates a large number of online learners. FGC also provides good support for online students, from personalized advising to access to comprehensive learning resources such as library databases and tutoring services. Academically, FGC offers many fully online programs, including bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, nursing, and water resources management.
College of the Florida Keys
Why We Like Them:
CFK is notable for its median earnings, with graduates earning $47,057 per year. This places the institution just above the median for earnings percentile, making it a strategic choice if future income is a critical factor is important to you. Combining this with an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, you can expect a highly personalized and engaged learning environment. The college's online enrollment of 194 students reflects its growing emphasis on digital education, although its online community remains relatively small compared to other institutions. Distance learning at CFK caters to working students and features online, hybrid, and hybrid-flex courses.
Santa Fe College
Why We Like Them:
SFC's figure of $45,816 places it in the top 52% for earning potential among online community college graduates. This suggests a strong return on investment once you've been working for at least four years after graduation. SFC's online enrollment is substantial, with 2,990 students studying remotely, placing it within the top 15% of online student populations, ensuring a vibrant community of remote learners. SFC offers flexibility through business, health sciences, and emerging technologies. Unique to SFC is its offering of specialized programs like the Zoo and Aquarium Management concentration under the Organizational Management Bachelor of Applied Science.
What Students Say:
"Their online class options have been especially helpful to me as I am expecting my first child in January and work full time. The online classes gave me the flexibility to work the number of hours that I need to in order to support my family, while still being able to further my education."
Rachel Cleary, Graduated 2016
Florida SouthWestern State College
Why We Like Them:
FSW has decent median earnings for graduates, which stand at $45,736. If you compare this salary to other schools, FSW is positioned in the top 53%, which suggests a favorable return on investment for its online degree programs. What's particularly impressive, however, is its substantial online enrollment of 4,884 students, putting it in the top 7% nationwide. Such metrics collectively highlight the school's commitment to providing accessible and valuable online education. FSW features schools of business and technology, education, health professions, and pure and applied sciences, each with fully online degree options. There's also an Associate of Arts in General Education.
Florida National University
Why We Like Them:
FNU secures a place on our list due to its solid earnings potential for graduates, with a median salary of $45,593. This places FNU in the top 53% of schools nationwide for earnings, indicating the solid value in the job market. Equally important is the comprehensive support for its students, as evidenced by 100% of the students receiving some form of financial aid. This impressive rate places FNU among the top 18% of all U.S. colleges or universities for student financial aid support, ensuring that your educational pursuits are financially accessible. Undergraduate options include bachelor's degrees in fields like accounting, business administration, criminal justice, and health services administration.
Best by Affordability
Our Best by Affordability list highlights bachelor's degree programs with exceptionally low annual tuition. To qualify, schools must offer a consistent tuition rate for most programs at that level and charge less than $30,000 per year, excluding additional course fees. All the schools on our list have annual tuition costs below $11,715.
Northwest Florida State College
Why We Like Them:
NFSC offers an incredibly affordable tuition rate of $2,513, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious students. Combining this with a strong online enrollment of 1,636, which places the school in the top 26%, further demonstrates its appeal and accessibility for distance learners. The institution also supports a significant military population, with 667 GI Bill students, showcasing its commitment to providing flexible learning options for service members. The college offers a variety of online courses year-round, making it versatile for students seeking quality education at a minimal cost. There are also options to take "fast-track" courses that can be completed in as few as eight weeks.
Broward College
Why We Like Them:
BC has a very affordable tuition of $5,580, putting it in the top 3% for affordability among its peers. This is a significant advantage if you're looking to save money on an undergraduate degree. BC is also committed to accessibility; every student receives financial aid, situating it in the top 18% for this measure. The college also boasts a strong online presence, with 9,076 students enrolled in distance learning, placing it among the top 3% of institutions for online enrollment, indicating a well-established virtual learning environment. BC offers online degree and certificate programs spanning arts, humanities, communications, business, health science, and more.
What Students Say:
"I love BC Online... I have never had an issue. The professors have been very responsive. I just graduated with my AA; now I am working towards my Bachelor's Degree. I work full-time, so it's hard to find time to go to school, but with BC online, I am able to work towards my goals."
A Reilly, Graduated 2017
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Why We Like Them:
FSCJ stands out primarily due to its affordability, with tuition at just $6,557. This positions it among the top 6% of the most affordable online community colleges, making it an attractive option for budget-minded learners. Coupling this affordability with a significant online enrollment of 8,577 students, FSCJ is among the top 3% of schools with the highest number of online students, demonstrating its online platform capable of delivering quality education in business, health science, and cybersecurity. FSCJ also supports military personnel, with 1,872 military students enrolled, placing it among the top 6% of schools for military enrollment.
What Students Say:
"The online courses are great for first-time college students that may work full time or have children."
Victoria Strother, Graduated 2015
Daytona State College
Why We Like Them:
Noted as one of the most affordable online schools in Florida, DSC offers a tuition fee of $9,335, making it one of the top 17% most budget-friendly institutions. Combined with an online enrollment of 3,898 students, which places it in the top 11% for online student populations, it shows DSC's commitment to accessible and flexible education. DSC also supports military personnel, with 612 students enrolled under the GI Bill. This makes it an appealing option if you seek both affordability and flexibility. Associate and bachelor's degrees are available entirely online through DSC's remote learning platform. You can study disciplines like hospitality, technology accounting, and computer programming.
St. Johns River State College
Why We Like Them:
SJRSC offers a highly cost-effective education with tuition at $9,466, placing it among the top 19% for affordability compared to its peers. If you compare SJRSC's online enrollment to other educational institutions, it ranks within the top 20% for having one of the highest numbers of students studying online, with 2,239 online learners. This indicates that SJRSC provides a well-established online educational platform that is supportive of distance learners. There are five associate majors (accounting technology, business administration, criminal justice technology, health services management, and health information technology) and two bachelor's offerings (organizational management and nursing).
Seminole State College of Florida
Why We Like Them:
SSC stands out due to its affordability, offering a competitive tuition rate of $9,494. The institution excels particularly in providing accessible education, as evidenced by its top 22% placement for affordable schools nationwide. Complementing this is a significant online enrollment of 6,340 students, positioning it in the top 5% of all U.S. colleges. This extensive online enrollment suggests a well-functioning digital infrastructure and virtual learning environment, making it an excellent choice for remote learners seeking a high-quality online education. Plus, 677 military students are enrolled at SSC, highlighting its commitment to providing flexible certificates, associate, and bachelor's degrees.
Hillsborough Community College
Why We Like Them:
HCC offers tuition at $9,660, placing it in the top 25% for cost-effectiveness. If we were to compare HCC's online enrollment with other community colleges, HCC is among the top 3% with the highest online student population, with 8,543 distance learners. Furthermore, HCC's military enrollment is significant, with 1,552 GI Bill participants, positioning the school just shy of the top 8% for military-friendly online programs. The online offerings at HCC span various disciplines, including associate degrees in fields such as business administration, health sciences, and information technology, ensuring broad academic opportunities for in-demand professions.
Miami Dade College
Why We Like Them:
MDC stands out primarily for its affordable tuition, which is set at $9,933. While this positions MDC in the competitive 67th percentile for affordability, it offers significant value compared to higher-priced institutions. Beyond its cost efficiency, MDC is a national leader in online education, boasting an impressive 17,085 online enrollments. This places the institution in the top 1% of colleges nationwide with the largest online student populations, making it an excellent choice for a supportive online degree. You can choose from certificates, associate, and bachelor's degrees. If you aim to complete four years of studying, there are options in public safety management, nursing, and more.
What Students Say:
"Miami-Dade College was a surprisingly good experience. I say surprisingly because going into a community college, I had low expectations of the level of academics I was going to find... It did not feel like a 'community college,' instead it felt like a place to get work done and a stepping stone into your career... you do need to work hard, and stay on top of the day to day action there but it can be done and it will better your life."
Gustavo, Graduated 2015
St. Petersburg College
Why We Like Them:
SPC's tuition is $11,607. Although this only puts it in the top 59% of U.S. schools, SPC does have a very impressive number of students engaging in online education (10,005), which places it among the top 2% of institutions with the highest online enrollment. This stat is further highlighted by the fact that there are nearly 90 academic programs available online, including career-focused certifications and various associate and bachelor's degrees. Notably, SPC provides flexible transfer options for those looking to transition into four-year university programs. Remote learners can study disciplines ranging from veterinary technology to dental hygiene and economics.
What Students Say:
"The online program for both the AS and BAS degree is structured but still provides a lot of flexibility... The professors all work in the field in addition to teaching so they have relevant information that teaches you more than just 'book knowledge'. The dean is very involved in the program and is available for questions..."
Frances, Graduated 2015
Indian River State College
Why We Like Them:
IRSC has a fairly affordable tuition of $11,715, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious students. This cost-effectiveness is bolstered by a substantial online enrollment of 5,316 students, placing it in the top 7% for online enrollment, which suggests a strong and popular online presence. Additionally, the IRSC's recommendation rate stands at 85%, indicating that the majority of students would endorse this institution to others. IRSC offers excellent support services for online students that include free tutoring services available seven days per week using personalized guidance from subject-matter experts. Technical certificates, associate, and bachelor's degrees are available online.
What Students Say:
"I love this school. It has low tuition rate which does not increase. The staff is helpful...teachers work with you to make sure they help you pass your class. I have taken most of my classes online and it is just as simple as the in the classroom. I would highly suggest this school."
Crystal Plunkett, Graduated 2014
Highest Rated by Students
Alumni feedback provides valuable insights into student satisfaction. To be included on this list, schools must have at least 20 reviews on OnlineU or GradReports with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 or higher. The highest rated community college in Florida has an 87% recommendation rate from its students.
Ultimate Medical Academy
Key Metrics:
- Overall Rating: 4.33/5
- Number of Reviews: 862
- Recommend Rate: 89%
Why We Like Them:
UMA has an outstanding overall review rating of 4.29. This reflects a significant level of satisfaction among online learners. Moreover, the 87% recommendation rate demonstrates strong endorsement from alumni, contributing to a positive learning environment. These statistics are even more impressive considering UMA's substantial online enrollment of 6,288, which situates it among the top 6% of schools with the highest number of students participating in online programs. UMA programs are focused on the healthcare sector and include medical billing and coding, healthcare management, and patient care technician programs, allowing you to specialize in various medical fields.
What Students Say:
"I think UMA is an awesome school. The online classes fit into my schedule. My instructors have been great in giving feedback and (are) easy to communicate with. My advisor is awesome. He calls just to say hello and checks to see how classes are going or (if) I am in need of something. They have great resources. It's just an all-around great school."
Dessie Chambers, Graduated 2025
Honorable Mention
Our Honorable Mention section recognizes online community colleges in Florida that have unique traits. We highlight their distinctive strengths to give you more options to explore during your college search. These institutions have features such as high military populations or favorable student-to-faculty ratios.
Keiser University
Why We Like Them:
KU has a substantial online enrollment of 8,209 students, placing it within the top 3% of universities nationwide for online student populations. This demonstrates the institution's strong commitment to supporting online learners. Complementing this is its impressive graduation rate of 67%, which situates it in the top 19% of universities, indicating that you are likely to complete your program successfully. KU offers a wide variety of online degree programs at different levels, ranging from associate degrees to doctoral programs. These cover fields such as business, healthcare, criminal justice, and engineering, each with academic support from counselors and technical support from IT professionals.
What Students Say:
"Keiser University is an amazing school. I enjoy the small class sizes, excellent professors, and one month class. They live up to their student-first motto. I have recommended Keiser University to my friends and family and they are attending or have graduated from Keiser. I鈥檓 already looking into pursuing my Bachelor鈥檚 degree since nothing compares to the value of this school."
John, Graduated 2022
Eastern Florida State College
Why We Like Them:
One primary reason we have chosen EFSC is its substantial online enrollment, with 4,659 students participating in remote learning, placing it among the top 8% of institutions in terms of online presence. This high enrollment not only demonstrates the popularity and accessibility of the online programs but also indicates a well-established virtual learning environment. Another meaningful factor is the school's dedication to supporting military students, enrolling 930 GI Bill beneficiaries. The array of online programs, spanning associate to bachelor's degrees, includes practical fields such as sports management, nursing, software development, and event planning.
What Students Say:
"This school has professors that genuinely care about their students... There is ample opportunity for students to succeed. In the library there are tutors. You have to make an appointment but it is really helpful! There is even a librarian that you can make appointments with to assist you with writing papers... students there are from every background."
Manda, Graduated 2021
Tallahassee Community College
Why We Like Them:
TCC is noted for its online enrollment, demonstrating a robust digital learning environment with 4,026 students engaged in remote education. This positions it in the top 10% of institutions with significant online student populations, ensuring that you are part of a well-established virtual community. Among them are 413 military students. Ultimately, this means extensive networking opportunities among a diverse student body. The college also offers four in-demand degree programs online, including criminal justice technology, early childhood development, paralegal and legal studies, and a general associate in arts degree. These programs are designed to provide flexibility while delivering a fulfilling college experience.
Polk State College
Why We Like Them:
PSC stands out thanks to its 92% recommendation rate from its students. This indicates high satisfaction, particularly among its online learners. Another impressive statistic is its online enrollment of 3,334 students, placing it in the top 14% among colleges nationwide. Associate in arts, liberal arts, aerospace, business, criminal justice, network systems engineering technology, and nursing are PSC's popular online degree programs. This variety ensures that you have multiple pathways to advance your education remotely. The school's virtual student center offers support including career development services, financial aid, distance learning resources, and an online bookstore.
What Students Say:
"Was able to transition from my associate's degree to my bachelor's degree completely online, which was nice while also working full-time as a nurse. I was also able to complete the program in 3 semesters, which allowed me to finish quickly and continue on to my master's degree."
J.J., Graduated 2015
Pensacola State College
Why We Like Them:
PSC secures its place on our Honorable Mention list with a noteworthy online enrollment of 2,122 students, placing it among the top 22% of institutions for this metric. Such a significant online enrollment indicates the college's capacity to effectively deliver quality education through virtual means, fostering a thriving online community. Combining this with the military enrollment of 1,055 students (top 15% nationally), PSC provides substantial support for those utilizing the GI Bill, highlighting its strong commitment to serving military members through flexible online courses. PSC uses the popular Canvas learning management system and Zoom video software to deliver its online courses.
College of Central Florida
Why We Like Them:
CF has a significant number of online students, boasting an impressive enrollment of 1,489. This places the institution in the top 28% of colleges with the highest online enrollment. CF ensures education is accessible, with a notably high percentage of students (98%) receiving financial aid. Although the average aid package is just $6,900, it still makes it a good option if financial aid availability is a crucial factor for you. Fully online degrees are available at the associate and bachelor's levels, with majors in nursing, business administration, and early childhood education. There are also nine college credit certificates in subjects such as office administration, equine technician, and engineering technology.
Daytona College
Why We Like Them:
DC's biggest draw is its 70% graduation rate. This means that you're more likely than not to complete all your degree requirements in the allotted time for each program. What's more, you'll receive personalized support from your professors thanks to DC's impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, which places the school in the top 17% of colleges across the country. If financial accessibility is important to you, you'll be pleased to know that 97% of DC students receive financial aid. Although online enrollment is low, you can choose from five online degrees in the healthcare field. Options include a nursing RN to BSN degree, medical assisting diploma, and coding and billing diploma, and more.
What Students Say:
"I loved the atmosphere of the classes and the teachers. ... Daytona College set me up for a great career... Now every day I get to work my own hours and make great money!"
Allan, Graduated
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Ultimate Medical Academy
- Online Enrollment: 7,326
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is a leading provider of online healthcare education, offering 8 associate degree programs and 3 diploma programs. Our programs are tailored to prepare you for a high-demand industry, with 1.8 million job openings projected annually from 2022-2032. At UMA, you can earn your associate degree in as few as 18 months while enjoying flexible online classes limited to 25 students. Our comprehensive support includes 24/7 technical assistance, personalized career guidance, and certification preparation. UMA is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools and is committed to your success both academically and career-wise.