Best Colleges In Florida

Beaches, sunshine, close proximity to Central and South America? No wonder you want to study in Florida! The Sunshine State has some very worthy schools as well, and can be a great place to go to college.

The State of Florida has a diverse economy and a large population. It has a wide variety of highly regarded colleges and universities. Some are famous schools like Florida State, University of Miami, and the University of Florida. It also has traditional small private schools like Stetson University and up and coming schools like Nova and Florida Institute of Technology. Florida has evolved from an agriculture and tourism-based economy to an economy characterized by aerospace, life sciences, and high-tech innovators. The educational landscape has also changed, and students can have modern careers in healthcare, information technology, and life science research in the Florida economy with degrees from its leading research universities, colleges, and special schools.

Get more information on Best Colleges In Florida, best colleges in florida for business, best colleges in florida for nursing, best colleges in florida for psychology, best colleges in florida for computer science , best colleges in florida for marine biology & best colleges in florida for medicine

Universities In Florida

Florida has plenty of options for studying. Prospective Florida students can choose from twelve public universities, six medical schools, and a large number of smaller, private colleges and universities.

If you graduate from a school in Florida, you may find that you want to stick around. And there is plenty of work in the state! Florida’s largest industries are in manufacturing, security, IT, life sciences and aerospace/aviation, and there are plenty of jobs to go around.

Here are the leading colleges in Florida, let’s explore what makes them unique:

University of Florida

The University of Florida is ranked as one of the top public universities in the United States by U.S. News. With a focus on innovation, the university has a college dedicated to just that, called the Innovation Academy.

UF students are active sports fans, enjoy the college town of Gainesville, and have a large number of on-campus activities to choose from.

Tuition: $28,658 out-of-state, $6,380 in-state

Programs Offered: Certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs in schools such as agriculture and life sciences, the arts, business, dentistry, design, education, engineering, health and human performance, journalism, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and veterinary science.

Florida State University

Florida State University is one of the top universities in Florida. The main campus is in Tallahassee, FL, but there are other campuses in Panama, New York, Italy, Spain, and other areas of Florida. It is a large city campus, with an active sports fan base and a number of academic programs to choose from.

Tuition: $21,683 out-of-state, $6,680 in-state

Programs Offered: Undergraduate programs, master’s programs, advanced master’s programs, doctorates, and J.D. and M.D.

University of Miami

The University of Miami is set in a beautiful location — close to the Florida Keys and the Florida Everglades. The college is also right next to downtown Miami, which has a thriving international culture. Students can join Division 1 sports teams, a number of clubs and organizations, and live both on or off campus.

Tuition: $52,080

Programs Offered: Schools of architecture, education and human development, aeronautical and marine sciences, law, public health, nursing, engineering, arts, and sciences offer both graduate and undergraduate programs. Some of these programs are also offered fully online.

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida, or USF, is a large public research university located in Tampa. Other USF campuses are in Sarasota and St Petersburg. Students are required to live on campus during their first year at school. USF has highly regarded programs in medicine, education, and engineering.

Tuition: $17,324 out-of-state, $6,410 in-state

Programs Offered: 16 colleges in arts, nursing, business, engineering, marine sciences, and more offer a large number of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs.

University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida is a very large school located in Orlando, FL, and has 10 other regional campuses across the state. UCF has plenty for students to get involved in, including sports, clubs, and Greek life.

Tuition: $22,467 out-of-state, $6,368 in-state

Programs Offered: Undergraduate and graduate degrees in arts and humanities, business, engineering and computer science, optics and photonics, hospitality management, and more.

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Tech is a private university focusing on providing excellent education in technical fields. It started as a space training center, but has now broadened to include other technical areas of studies. The school is located right next to the water, in Melbourne, FL, making it ideal for students who love water sports.

Tuition: $42,470

Programs Offered: Undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, aeronautics, psychology, liberal arts, and business.

Florida International University

FIU is a public university with a large Hispanic enrollment, located in Miami. With two locations — one in West Miami and one in North Miami — students can choose which campus offers the best experience for them.

Tuition: $18,956 out-of-state, $6,558 in-state

Programs Offered: 270 degree programs from the colleges of arts, science & education, hospitality & tourism, engineering & computing, law, medicine, public health & social work, international affairs, and health sciences.

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University, or FAU, is a large public school located in sunny Boca Raton, FL. Its student-centered approach to higher education and research makes it a great choice for Florida and non-Florida residents.

Tuition: $21,585 out-of-state, $6,039 in-state

Programs Offered: 170 degrees from the colleges of arts & letters, business, design & social inquiry, education, engineering and computer science, medicine, nursing, and other sciences.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was the first and is still the largest aviation-focused university in the world. The school is still an aeronautical school, and has a large majority male population.

Tuition: $36,868

Programs Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and certificates in applied science, aviation, business, computers and technology, engineering, security/intelligence/safety, and space.

University of North Florida

The University of North Florida is a medium-sized urban public university located in Jacksonville, close to the Florida coast. UNF offers students the chance to participate in media production, sports on a variety of levels, and in many clubs and organizations.

Tuition: $20,112 out-of-state, $6,394 in-state

Programs Offered: Undergraduate and graduate programs from the colleges of arts & sciences, health, business, computing, engineering, construction, and education.

Alternative Option: Studying Online

While Florida has a number of great schools, you may still want to consider studying online, from your home in Florida, or anywhere really! Studying online means that all you need is a computer, an internet connection and some motivation to get an entire degree. You don’t need to worry about being located near a school, transportation, or making sure your school schedule doesn’t interfere with your work or family life.

Studying online is just as effective for learning as in-person study. Not only that, but because you are studying over the internet, you will also be able to build many important skills needed for success in today’s workforce. Skills such as written communication, time management, remote work, and understanding of online software are all valuable skills online students learn.

While studying at University of the People, you learn all of these skills and more. Our accredited, fully online, and tuition-free programs in Business, Computer Science, Education, and Health Sciences will help you prepare for a successful future in whatever you set your mind to — whether in Florida, or anywhere else in the world.

What are the most popular bachelor’s degrees offered in Florida?

The popularity of business degrees reflects a national trend covering the past decade of high interest and high salaries for business majors. Many people use education as part of a plan to gain a solid economic footing and start with a high paying job after graduation. The health professions remain as a steady area of high student demand and, like the business fields, they offer high starting salaries with high ceilings for the future.

Many students are motivated by self-discovery and interests beyond salary and specific career paths. The humanities studies attract many students that later wind up in outstanding careers in business or technical fields. Business employers increasingly look for attributes rather than specific majors. Many employers feel that traits are more important than a specific body of knowledge. They may, for example, emphasize community involvement, evidence of leadership potential, or excellence in creative studies.

All of the top bachelor’s degrees in Florida include:

Business
Engineering
Health Professions
Humanities
Natural Sciences

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys of the national economy offer solid findings that workers with higher levels of education earn more than those with lower levels of attainment. The remarkable difference between a worker with an associate degree and one with a high school diploma is about $15,000 per year. Students that graduate with bachelor’s degrees can earn more than one million in lifetime earnings above the level of a person with no college.

Having a degree opens the door to further education. The bachelor’s degree is the threshold requirement for graduate study. The highest income average occupations include professional occupations such as law, medicine, and engineering that require master’s degree levels and further training.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION	HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA	ASSOCIATE DEGREE	BACHELOR’S DEGREE	MASTER’S DEGREE	DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784*	$38,792*	$43,472	$64,896*	$77,844*	$96,772*

Most Popular Degrees and Top Careers in Florida

Florida has an unemployment rate approximately at the national average, and its growth rate is similar to the US economy. Healthcare and Education are consistent drives in the Florida economy and tourism still comprises a substantial part of the annual state totals. Agriculture also remains a staple of the economy as does the aerospace industry. Newer growth sectors are international trade and financial services. Florida has grown a vigorous life sciences sector, and the state has become a hub for life sciences research and innovation.BUSINESS

Top Business Careers and Salaries

CEO is the highest level of decision making in an organization. The CEO has responsibility for the overall performance of the organization and for reaching organizational goals and objectives.

Financial Analysts have responsibility for working to protect organization assets and planning for the organizations funding needs.

Management Analysts use information and reports to assess the functions and business processes within their assigned areas.

General Managers have responsibility for operations and continuity. They maintain oversight over an organizations daily internal and business processes.

Auditors review the business processes of the organization to determine if records match actual performance. Auditors can issue official reports in accordance with auditing and accounting principles.

Business Professional

Accountants

Marketing Professionals

Entrepreneur

Business Management

Business Administration

CAREER NAME	CURRENTLY EMPLOYED	AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
CEO	26,300	$155,400
Financial Analyst	22,190	$61,400
Management Analyst	48,910	$67,400
General Manager	147,680	$55,700
Auditor	71,520	$57,400

Best Online Colleges in Florida

The Sunshine State is a great place to attend college — even if it’s online. In fact, an online college may lend you the flexible schedule you need to spend time on Florida’s white-sand beaches.

Online colleges in Florida provide excellent educational opportunities to residents and nonresidents alike. Online Florida universities offer many of the same advantages as on-campus schools, such as career advising, library services, and institutional financial aid programs.

How Does Accreditation Work for Online Schools in Florida?

As you might already know, not all online colleges in Florida with attractive websites offer high-quality degrees. You can separate the best Florida online colleges from the rest by checking their accreditation status.

College accreditation involves a multistep process that includes satisfying many eligibility requirements and undergoing evaluation by an outside agency.

Research whether programs that interest you hold institutional accreditation from a reputable agency, such as the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC accreditation shows that a college’s online programs offer the same rigor and outcomes as its in-person degrees. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation website lets you explore other agencies’ reputations.

The Florida Department of Education also evaluates college accreditation agencies and approves the best ones. Florida recognizes 38 accrediting agencies as of April 2022.