Florida joined the Union in 1845. The NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) has the state listed as having 156 institutions of higher learning (as of the last reporting date) that offer bachelor’s degrees. (This includes multiple campuses of the same institution.) According to the U.S. Census, an estimated 7.9% of the state’s population aged 18-24 had a bachelor’s degree or higher (as of the 2014 American Community Survey, aka ACS). For residents 25+, 17.1% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The estimated total population as of 2014 was 20.27M (20,271,272).
- Nicknames: The Sunshine State
- State website: http://www.myflorida.com/
- State capital: Tallahassee
- Largest city: Jacksonville
NOTES:
- Please check an institution’s accreditation before applying.
- Net price is based on an institution’s average cost to all students for the last reporting year (to NCES.ed.gov), factoring in tuition, fees, cost of living, financial aid, etc. Depending on the location and school, there can be a significant difference between tuition cost and net price.
- NCES data is subject to change after every academic year and other institutions in the state may at some point be “more affordable” (by net price) than those listed here.
- We did not filter out private for-profit institutions. However, some of them listed in this series of most-affordable-colleges-by-state articles may be under federal scrutiny. We urge you to be aware of any such goings-on or accreditation issues of any school before you apply. When in doubt, check with the schools in question, then research their accrediting agency.
Abbreviations
- BA = Bachelor of Arts
- BAAS = Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.
- BArch = Bachelor of Architecture
- BAS = Bachelor of Applied Science
- BAS = Bachelor of Arts and Sciences or Bachelor of Applied Science
- BBA = Bachelor of Business Administration
- BEd = Bachelor of Education
- BEM = Bachelor of Emergency Management
- BEnvD = Bachelor of Environmental Design
- BFA = Bachelor of Fine Arts
- BGS = Bachelor of General Studies
- BLA = Bachelor of Liberal Arts
- BM = Bachelor of Music
- BME = Bachelor of Music Education
- BMus = Bachelor of Music
- BS = Bachelor of Science
- BSChE = Chemical Engineering
- BSCIV = Civil Engineering
- BSCLS = Clinical Laboratory Science
- BSCompEng = Computer Engineering
- BSE = BS Engineering
- BSElecEng = Electrical Engineering
- BSMechEng = Mechanical Engineering
- BSN = Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- BSPA = Physician Assistant
- BSRT = BS Respiratory Therapy
- BSRT = BS Respiratory Therapy OR BS Radiation Therapy
- BSW = Bachelor of Social Work
- BT = Bachelor of Technology
- HBCU = Historically Black College or University
10: Eastern Florida State College
Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) is a public college established in 1960 and located in Cocoa, Florida, about 45 miles roughly southeast of Orlando, FL. It was originally founded as Brevard Junior College. In addition to the main campus in Cocoa, there are three other campuses — all four being in Brevard County — plus the Kennedy Space Center program and a Virtual Campus division.
EFSC offers certificates (three levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees numbering nearly to 100 programs overall. Specifically, EFSC offers 10 bachelor’s programs clustered into three areas of study: (1) Applied Health Sciences, (2) Computer Information Systems Technology and (3) Organizational Management – each offering 2, 3 and 5 degrees, respectively. Based on NCES data for the last reported academic year, no bachelor’s degrees were awarded by EFSC that year. Online bachelor’s degree options include select courses. At present, only associate’s degrees can be completed fully online. Available online courses at all levels number over 250.
- Graduation rate: 47%.
- Transfer-out rate: 9%.
- In-state tuition: $2,496.
- Out-of-state tuition: $9,739.
- Yearly average net price: $5,800.
- Student population: 15931.
- # undergraduates: 15931.
- Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
9: South Florida State College
South Florida State College (SFSC) is a public college established in 1965 and located in Avon Park, Florida, in Highlands County – about 76 miles roughly south of Orlando, FL. It was originally founded as South Florida Junior College. Besides the main campus, it has other campuses across three counties in total.
SFSC offers certificates (three levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Specifically, SFSC offers BAS and BS degrees, both of which require prior completion of an AA or AS for admission consideration. Three bachelor’s programs are currently available: BAS Supervision and Management (BAS-SM), BS Elementary Education (BSEE), RN to BSN Nursing. Based on NCES data for the last reported academic year, no bachelor’s degrees were awarded by SFSC that year. For online programs, currently SFSC only offers certificates and an AA program.
- Graduation rate: 39%.
- Transfer-out rate: 14%.
- In-state tuition: $3,175.
- Out-of-state tuition: $11,869.
- Yearly average net price: $5,436.
- Student population: 2780.
- # undergraduates: 2780.
- Campus setting: Rural: Fringe.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
8: Daytona State College
Daytona State College (DSC) is a public college established in 1957 and located in Daytona Beach, Florida. It was originally founded as Daytona Beach Junior College.
DSC offers certificates (three levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Specifically, DSC offers the following bachelor’s degree programs: (1) BS Education, (2) BS Engineering Technology with optional Electrical Eng. concentration, (3) BS Information Technology, (4) BAS Supervision and Management. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Online bachelor’s degree options include the aforementioned degrees.
- Graduation rate: 36%.
- Transfer-out rate: 8%.
- In-state tuition: $3,306.
- Out-of-state tuition: $12,376.
- Yearly average net price: $5,064.
- Student population: 13248.
- # undergraduates: 13248.
- Campus setting: City: Small.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.
7: Florida Gateway College
Florida Gateway College (FGC) is a public college established in 1947 and located in Lake City, Florida, about 61 miles roughly west and slightly south of Jacksonville, FL. It was originally founded as Columbia Forestry School.
FGC offers certificates (two levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Specifically, FGC offers two bachelor’s degrees: (1) BS Early Childhood Education and (2) BS Nursing (BSN). Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is part of the largest program category, Health Professions and Related Programs. FGC offers a selection of online courses. See school Web site for more information.
- Graduation rate: 48%.
- Transfer-out rate: 10%.
- In-state tuition: $3,100.
- Out-of-state tuition: $11,747.
- Yearly average net price: $4,677.
- Student population: 2912.
- # undergraduates: 2912.
- Campus setting: Town: Distant.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
6: Lake–Sumter State College
Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) is a public college established in 1962 and located in Leesburg, Florida, about 44 miles roughly northwest of Orlando, FL. Leesburg is home to the original campus (which started as Lake-Sumter Junior College), and there are two additional campuses in Lake and Sumter counties.
LSSC offers certificates (two levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. As of Jan 2013, LSSC started offering the BAS Organizational Management degree completion program. It requires an eligible associate’s degree for admission. NCES data shows that no online bachelor’s degree programs were available for the most recently reported academic year (AY 2013-2014).
- Graduation rate: 40%.
- Transfer-out rate: 18%.
- In-state tuition: $3,172.
- Out-of-state tuition: $13,276.
- Yearly average net price: $4,653.
- Student population: 4470.
- # undergraduates: 4470.
- Campus setting: Suburb: Midsize.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
5: Hobe Sound Bible College
Hobe Sound Bible College (HSBC) is a private, not-for-profit, Christian college that was established in 1960 as Hobe Sound Bible Institute. HSBC is located in Hobe Sound, Florida, on South Florida’s Atlantic coast, about 100 miles north of Miami. The school also offers several online degree options.
HSBC offers certificates and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in six areas of study: (1) Counseling, (2) Ministerial Studies, (3) Missionary Flight Training, (4) Music Education, (5) Professional Studies, (6) Teacher Education. Specifically, HSBC offers the following 11 bachelor’s degree programs, with various Minor options: BA Counseling with Minor options in Aviation, Child Evangelism, Intercultural Studies, Music, Pastoral Ministries, Teacher Education, TESOL; BA Elementary Education with Minor options in (1) Counseling. (2) Missions, (3) TESOL; BA Intercultural Studies with Minor options in (1) Aviation, (2) Counseling, (3) Ministerial Studies, (4) Music, (5) Teaching, (6) TESOL; BA Ministerial Studies with Minor options in (1) Counseling, (2) Intercultural Studies, (3) Music, (4) Pastoral Ministries, (5) Teacher Education, (6) TESOL; BA Music with Minor options in (1) Counseling, (2) Ministerial Studies; BA Music Education with Minor options in (1) Intercultural Studies, (2) TESOL; BA Alternative Secondary Education; BA Secondary English Education; BA Secondary Math Education; BA Secondary Science Education. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other, which is part of the largest program category, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Online bachelor’s degree options include the following three programs: (1) BA General Christian Studies, (2) BA Ministerial Studies, (3) Bachelor’s in Education (BEd).
- Graduation rate: 69%.
- Transfer-out rate: n/a.
- In-state tuition: $5,920.
- Out-of-state tuition: $5,920.
- Yearly average net price: $4,607.
- Student population: 251.
- # undergraduates: 251.
- Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: B.
4: Gulf Coast State College
Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) is a public college establish in 1957 and located in Panama City, Florida. It was founded as Gulf Coast Community College. In addition to this main campus, there is a Franklin campus and two learning centers.
GCSC offers certificates (two levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Specifically, GCSC offers four bachelor’s degree programs: (1) Digital Media; (2) Nursing; (3) Organizational Management (with specializations in Entrepreneurship, Emergency Services Administration or Health Services Administration); (4) Technology Management. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other, which is part of the largest program category, Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services. For online options, GCSC offers a selection of courses online. See Web site for more information.
- Graduation rate: 33%.
- Transfer-out rate: 10%.
- In-state tuition: $2,765.
- Out-of-state tuition: $10,072.
- Yearly average net price: $4,577.
- Student population: 5926.
- # undergraduates: 5926.
- Campus setting: City: Small.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
3: Chipola College
Chipola College is a public college established in 1947 as Chipola Junior College. It is part of the Florida College System and is located in Marianna, Florida, some 70 miles northwest of Tallahassee, FL, and about 180 miles roughly east of Mobile, Alabama.
Chipola College offers certificates (three levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Specifically, Chipola offers bachelor’s programs in Business Administration (with concentrations in Accounting or Management), Nursing (RN to BSN) and Education: (1) Elementary Education, (2) English Education (6-12), (3) Exceptional Student Education, (4) Middle School Mathematics (5-9), (5) Middle School Science (5-9), (6) Secondary Education Mathematics (6-12), (7) Secondary Education Biology (6-12). Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s programs are tied between Business Administration and Management, General, and Elementary Education and Teaching, the latter of which is part of the largest program category, Education.
- Graduation rate: 42%.
- Transfer-out rate: 17%.
- In-state tuition: $3,120.
- Out-of-state tuition: $8,950.
- Yearly average net price: $4,418.
- Student population: 2080.
- # undergraduates: 2080.
- Campus setting: Town: Distant.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
2: Palm Beach State College
Palm Beach State College (PBSC) is a public college established in 1933 and located in Lake Worth, Palm Beach County, Florida, about 10 miles roughly south of West Palm Beach. It was originally founded as Palm Beach Community College. Notable alumni include actors Judge Reinhold and Burt Reynolds.
PBSC offers certificates (three levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Specifically, PBSC offers the following three bachelor’s degree programs, plus options: BS Nursing (BSN, degree completion); BAS Information Management with three options: (1) Database Administration, (2) Project Management, (3) Security and Network Assurance; BAS Supervision and Management with four options: (1) Entrepreneurship, (2) General Management, (3) Management, (4) Project Management. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business and Personal/Financial Services Marketing Operations, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Most of PBSC’s “Bachelor level classes are offered online” — meaning that all of the above-mentioned bachelor’s programs are all available online.
- Graduation rate: 34%.
- Transfer-out rate: 11%.
- In-state tuition: $2,378.
- Out-of-state tuition: $8,612.
- Yearly average net price: $2,467.
- Student population: 28517.
- # undergraduates: 28517.
- Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.
1: Indian River State College
Indian River State College (IRSC) is a public college established in 1959 and located in Fort Pierce, Florida, about 63 miles roughly northwest of West Palm Beach, FL.
IRSC offers certificates (three levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Specifically, IRSC offers twelve bachelor’s degree programs: (1) Accounting, (2) Biology, (3) Business Administration, (4) Comp Info Tech / Cyber Security, (5) Criminal Justice, (6) Digital Media, (7) Education, (8) Health Care Management, (9) Human Services, (10) Nursing, (11) Organizational Management, (12) Public Administration. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, which is part of the largest program category, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Online options include the following bachelor’s degrees: (1) Business Administration, (2) Education/ESE, (3) Education/Middle Grades Math, (4) I.T. Management & Cybersecurity, (5) Nursing, (6) Organizational Management, (7) Public Administration.
- Graduation rate: 39%.
- Transfer-out rate: 11%.
- In-state tuition: $2,764.
- Out-of-state tuition: $10,201.
- Yearly average net price: $1,807.
- Student population: 17665.
- # undergraduates: 17665.
- Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.
