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Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region

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2023 Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region

522 Schools Ranked
$39,607 Average Earnings
$22,575 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which program to enroll in when you have so many options available. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. This report analyzed 522 schools in the Southeast Region to see which ones had the most popular online programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

American Public University System

Charles Town, West Virginia
14,306 Total Awards
$51,395 Average Earnings
$25,070 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named American Public University System the most popular school in the Southeast Region for students working on their degree. American Public University System is a large private for-profit school located in Charles Town, West Virginia that handed out 14,306 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,070 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, American Military University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,395 during the early year of their career. Around 35% of those degree recipients were women.

Full American Public University System Report

#2

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia
24,308 Total Awards
$40,489 Average Earnings
$30,497 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Liberty University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Southeast Region . This large private not-for-profit school is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, and it awarded 24,308 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $30,497 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $420. Once they receive their degree, Liberty University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,489 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Liberty University Report

7,746 Total Awards
$21,883 Average Earnings
$19,393 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Ultimate Medical Academy - Clearwater. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Clearwater, Florida, and it awarded 7,746 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,393 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, UMA Clearwater graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $21,883 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 96% were women.

Read More…

#4

St Petersburg College

Clearwater, Florida
7,209 Total Awards
$40,600 Average Earnings
$25,619 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means St Petersburg College is a great place for students. This large public school is located in Clearwater, Florida, and it awarded 7,209 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,619 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, SPC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,600 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read More…

#5

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, Alabama
7,022 Total Awards
$55,041 Average Earnings
$27,476 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 522 schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Columbia Southern University landed the # 5 spot on the list. This fairly large private for-profit school is located in Orange Beach, Alabama, and it awarded 7,022 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Columbia Southern University accumulate an average of $27,476 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Columbia Southern University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $55,041 during the early year of their career. Around 38% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#6

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina
8,408 Total Awards
$34,991 Average Earnings
$22,490 Avg Student Debt

Wake Technical Community College landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Wake Technical Community College is a large public school situated in Raleigh, North Carolina. It awarded 8,408 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,490 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Wake Technical Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,991 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Read More…

#7

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
17,268 Total Awards
$51,332 Average Earnings
$18,875 Avg Student Debt

University of Florida came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Gainesville, Florida, the large public school awarded 17,268 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,875 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $207 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UF graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,332 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Full University of Florida Report

#8

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida
19,318 Total Awards
$44,595 Average Earnings
$22,607 Avg Student Debt

University of Central Florida landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. UCF is a public institution located in Orlando, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 19,318 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,607 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $211.After graduating from UCF, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,595 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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6,961 Total Awards
$37,833 Average Earnings
$19,694 Avg Student Debt

Seminole State College of Florida ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region list. Seminole State is a public institution located in Sanford, Florida. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 6,961 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,694 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Seminole State graduates make an average of $37,833 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Seminole State College of Florida Report

6,012 Total Awards
$40,156 Average Earnings
$18,698 Avg Student Debt

Hillsborough Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #10 on the list. HCC is a fairly large public school situated in Tampa, Florida. It awarded 6,012 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,698 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $114 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, HCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,156 during the early year of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#11

Eastern Florida State College

Cocoa, Florida
4,291 Total Awards
$35,517 Average Earnings
$18,763 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Eastern Florida State College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Cocoa, Florida, the fairly large public school awarded 4,291 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,763 in student loans.After graduating from EFSC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,517 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Eastern Florida State College Report

4,305 Total Awards
$65,116 Average Earnings
$24,541 Avg Student Debt

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region list. Daytona Beach, Florida is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 4,305 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Embry-Riddle Worldwide accumulate an average of $24,541 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $792 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Embry-Riddle Worldwide, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $65,116 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 16% were women.

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#13

Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, Virginia
8,894 Total Awards
$37,967 Average Earnings
$16,809 Avg Student Debt

Northern Virginia Community College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Northern Virginia Community College is located in Annandale, Virginia and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 8,894 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Northern Virginia Community College accumulate an average of $16,809 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Northern Virginia Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,967 during the early years of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Northern Virginia Community College

#14

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia
5,429 Total Awards
$46,278 Average Earnings
$26,724 Avg Student Debt

Old Dominion University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #14 on the list. Old Dominion is a public institution located in Norfolk, Virginia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5,429 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,724 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $199.After graduating from Old Dominion, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,278 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Old Dominion University

#15

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
7,432 Total Awards
$44,403 Average Earnings
$24,531 Avg Student Debt

East Carolina University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #15 on the list. ECU is a public institution located in Greenville, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 7,432 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,531 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $277. Once they receive their degree, ECU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,403 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read full report on East Carolina University

14,828 Total Awards
$45,747 Average Earnings
$24,223 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, University of South Florida - Main Campus did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. USF Tampa is a public institution located in Tampa, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 14,828 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from USF Tampa accumulate an average of $24,223 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $177 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, USF Tampa graduates make an average of $45,747 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read full report on University of South Florida - Main Campus

#17

Central Georgia Technical College

Warner Robins, Georgia
4,810 Total Awards
$28,707 Average Earnings
$16,926 Avg Student Debt

Central Georgia Technical College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Warner Robins, Georgia, and it awarded 4,810 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,926 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, CGTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $28,707 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read full report on Central Georgia Technical College

#18

Indian River State College

Fort Pierce, Florida
4,469 Total Awards
$35,566 Average Earnings
$13,075 Avg Student Debt

Indian River State College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, the fairly large public school awarded 4,469 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Indian River State College accumulate an average of $13,075 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Indian River State College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,566 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Indian River State College

#19

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee
4,820 Total Awards
$41,884 Average Earnings
$28,159 Avg Student Debt

University of Memphis ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region list. UofM is a public institution located in Memphis, Tennessee. The school has a large population, and it awarded 4,820 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,159 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $147 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UofM graduates make an average of $41,884 annually. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Memphis

6,249 Total Awards
$39,280 Average Earnings
$17,647 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Bluegrass Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Bluegrass Community and Technical College is a medium-sized public school situated in Lexington, Kentucky. It awarded 6,249 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,647 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Bluegrass Community and Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,280 during the early year of their career. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Bluegrass Community and Technical College

3,937 Total Awards
$32,353 Average Earnings
$18,474 Avg Student Debt

Southern Crescent Technical College ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region list. Southern Crescent Technical College is a small public school situated in Griffin, Georgia. It awarded 3,937 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Southern Crescent Technical College accumulate an average of $18,474 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Southern Crescent Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,353 during the early year of their career. Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Southern Crescent Technical College

#22

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, Georgia
7,667 Total Awards
$49,284 Average Earnings
$27,780 Avg Student Debt

Kennesaw State University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. KSU Georgia is a large public school situated in Kennesaw, Georgia. It awarded 7,667 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $27,780 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $260, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from KSU Georgia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,284 during the early years of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Kennesaw State University

#23

Daytona State College

Daytona Beach, Florida
3,872 Total Awards
$38,012 Average Earnings
$15,475 Avg Student Debt

Daytona State College ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region list. This fairly large public school is located in Daytona Beach, Florida, and it awarded 3,872 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,475 in student loans.After graduating from Daytona State College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,012 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Daytona State College Report

4,956 Total Awards
$38,170 Average Earnings
$18,344 Avg Student Debt

Jefferson Community and Technical College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, the fairly large public school awarded 4,956 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,344 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Jefferson Community and Technical College graduates make an average of $38,170 annually. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Jefferson Community and Technical College Report

#25

Polk State College

Winter Haven, Florida
2,762 Total Awards
$40,275 Average Earnings
$17,299 Avg Student Debt

Polk State College ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in the Southeast Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in Winter Haven, Florida, and it awarded 2,762 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,299 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Polk State graduates make an average of $40,275 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Read full report on Polk State College

Not only did these schools make the top most popular online list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Georgia Military College

Milledgeville, Georgia
#27

Florida SouthWestern State College

Fort Myers, Florida
#28

Delgado Community College

New Orleans, Louisiana
#29

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, Virginia
#30

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, Florida
#32

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia
#33

MyComputerCareer - Raleigh

Raleigh, North Carolina
#34

Full Sail University

Winter Park, Florida
#35

Tri-County Technical College

Pendleton, South Carolina
#36

Chattahoochee Technical College

Marietta, Georgia
#37

Troy University

Troy, Alabama
#38

College of Central Florida

Ocala, Florida
#39

Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, Virginia
#40

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky
#42

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana
#43

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Perkinston, Mississippi
#45

Pasco-Hernando State College

New Port Richey, Florida
#47

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
#48

Northwest-Shoals Community College

Muscle Shoals, Alabama

View Most Popular Online Schools Nationwide >

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 Hinds Community College Raymond, MS
52 Albany Technical College Albany, GA
53 Holmes Community College Goodman, MS
54 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC
55 Martinsburg College Martinsburg, WV
56 Volunteer State Community College Gallatin, TN
57 Somerset Community College Somerset, KY
58 Atlanta Technical College Atlanta, GA
59 Saint Johns River State College Palatka, FL
60 University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR
61 South Louisiana Community College Lafayette, LA
62 John Tyler Community College Chester, VA
63 Auburn University Auburn, AL
64 Arkansas State University - Main Campus Jonesboro, AR
65 Georgia State University Atlanta, GA
66 NorthWest Arkansas Community College Bentonville, AR
67 Rasmussen University - Florida Ocala, FL
68 Strayer University - Virginia Arlington, VA
69 Germanna Community College Locust Grove, VA
70 Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC
71 Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL
72 University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL
73 Georgia Piedmont Technical College Clarkston, GA
74 Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, NC
75 South College Knoxville, TN
76 University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College North Little Rock, AR
77 Columbus Technical College Columbus, GA
78 Southern Union State Community College Wadley, AL
79 Strayer University - Georgia Atlanta, GA

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular online schools ranking:

Rank School Location
80 University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, LA
81 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA
81 Stanly Community College Albemarle, NC
83 Gaston College Dallas, NC
84 Cleveland State Community College Cleveland, TN
85 Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, NC
86 Lanier Technical College Oakwood, GA
87 Horry-Georgetown Technical College Conway, SC
88 South University’s online programs Savannah, GA
89 Northwest Florida State College Niceville, FL
89 The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Knoxville, TN
91 Appalachian State University Boone, NC
92 Pearl River Community College Poplarville, MS
93 University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke, NC
94 Gateway Community and Technical College Florence, KY
95 Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Hudson, NC
96 Reynolds Community College Richmond, VA
97 Nicholls State University Thibodaux, LA
98 University of North Carolina at Wilmington Wilmington, NC
99 Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA
100 Hazard Community and Technical College Hazard, KY
100 Belhaven University Jackson, MS
102 Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL
103 Mitchell Community College Statesville, NC
104 Randolph Community College Asheboro, NC
105 Pitt Community College Winterville, NC

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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