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Most Popular Online Schools in Florida

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2023 Most Popular Online Schools in Florida

77 Schools Ranked
$39,356 Average Earnings
$21,860 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which program to enroll in when you have so many options available. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Most Popular Online Schools in Florida ranking. Our analysis looked at 77 schools in Florida to see which online programs were the most popular 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:

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

Our 2023 rankings named Ultimate Medical Academy - Clearwater the most popular school in Florida for students working on their degree. Ultimate Medical Academy - Clearwater is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Clearwater, Florida that handed out 7,746 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UMA Clearwater accumulate an average of $19,393 in student debt by the time they complete 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.

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#2

St Petersburg College

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

Out of the 77 schools in Florida that were part of this year’s ranking, St Petersburg College landed the # 2 spot on the list. SPC is located in Clearwater, Florida and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 7,209 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from SPC accumulate an average of $25,619 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, SPC graduates make an average of $40,600 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read full report on St Petersburg College

#3

University of Florida

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

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Florida. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Florida list. Located in Gainesville, Florida, the large public school awarded 17,268 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,875 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $207, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UF, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,332 during the early years of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Florida

#4

University of Central Florida

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

The programs at University of Central Florida helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Florida. Located in Orlando, Florida, the large public school awarded 19,318 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UCF accumulate an average of $22,607 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $211, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UCF graduates make an average of $44,595 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Central Florida

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

You’ll be in good company if you attend Seminole State College of Florida. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Florida list. Seminole State is located in Sanford, Florida and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 6,961 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Seminole State accumulate an average of $19,694 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Seminole State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,833 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

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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 #6 on the list. HCC is located in Tampa, Florida and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 6,012 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,698 in student loans. 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.

Full Hillsborough Community College Report

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

Eastern Florida State College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Florida ranking. Cocoa, Florida is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 4,291 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. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

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

With a ranking of #8, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 4,305 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,541 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $792. During the early years of their career, Embry-Riddle Worldwide graduates make an average of $65,116 annually. Around 16% of those degree recipients were women.

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

University of South Florida - Main Campus landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. 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.

On average, students take out $24,223 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $177, assuming you 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.

Full University of South Florida - Main Campus Report

#10

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 #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in Florida ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Fort Pierce, Florida, and it awarded 4,469 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $13,075 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Indian River State College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,566 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Read full report on Indian River State College

#11

Daytona State College

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

Daytona State College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Daytona State College is located in Daytona Beach, Florida and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,872 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $15,475 in loans while pursuing their degree.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. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

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#12

Polk State College

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

Polk State College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Winter Haven, Florida, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,762 diplomas to qualifed students 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. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Polk State College Report

#13

Florida SouthWestern State College

Fort Myers, Florida
3,130 Total Awards
$48,021 Average Earnings
$17,143 Avg Student Debt

Florida SouthWestern State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #13 on the list. Fort Myers, Florida is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 3,130 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,143 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, FSW graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,021 during the early year of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Florida SouthWestern State College Report

#14

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, Florida
3,388 Total Awards
$41,564 Average Earnings
$32,628 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Saint Leo University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Saint Leo University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Saint Leo, Florida that handed out 3,388 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,628 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $289 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from St. Leo University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,564 during the early years of their career. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Saint Leo University Report

18,483 Total Awards
$47,774 Average Earnings
$23,098 Avg Student Debt

Florida International University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Florida list. This large public school is located in Miami, Florida, and it awarded 18,483 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from FIU accumulate an average of $23,098 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 $93 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, FIU graduates make an average of $47,774 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Florida International University Report

#16

Full Sail University

Winter Park, Florida
6,190 Total Awards
$30,635 Average Earnings
$30,956 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Full Sail University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This large private for-profit school is located in Winter Park, Florida, and it awarded 6,190 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $30,956 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $409.After graduating from Full Sail University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,635 during the early years of their career. Around 33% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Full Sail University Report

#17

College of Central Florida

Ocala, Florida
2,743 Total Awards
$40,629 Average Earnings
$20,689 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, College of Central Florida did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Ocala, Florida, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,743 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,689 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, CF graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,629 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Read full report on College of Central Florida

#18

Pasco-Hernando State College

New Port Richey, Florida
2,040 Total Awards
$45,216 Average Earnings
$16,555 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Pasco-Hernando State College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in New Port Richey, Florida, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,040 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,555 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, PHSC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,216 during the early year of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Pasco-Hernando State College

#19

Saint Johns River State College

Palatka, Florida
1,555 Total Awards
$39,307 Average Earnings
$19,313 Avg Student Debt

Saint Johns River State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #19 on the list. St. Johns River Community College is a public institution located in Palatka, Florida. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,555 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,313 in student loans. During the early years of their career, St. Johns River Community College graduates make an average of $39,307 annually. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Saint Johns River State College

4,368 Total Awards
$41,940 Average Earnings
$30,604 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Rasmussen University - Florida did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Ocala, Florida is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 4,368 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $30,604 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $127 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Rasmussen University - Florida, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,940 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

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#21

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
6,062 Total Awards
$61,266 Average Earnings
$27,779 Avg Student Debt

Nova Southeastern University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #21 on the list. NUS Florida is a private not-for-profit institution located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6,062 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $27,779 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $405 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, NUS Florida graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $61,266 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

Read full report on Nova Southeastern University

#22

University of Florida-Online

Gainesville, Florida
857 Total Awards
$36,889 Average Earnings
$19,514 Avg Student Debt

University of Florida-Online did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #22 on the list. Located in Gainesville, Florida, the medium-sized public school handed out 857 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,514 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $208. Once they receive their degree, UF Online graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,889 during the early year of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Florida-Online

#23

Northwest Florida State College

Niceville, Florida
1,254 Total Awards
$38,913 Average Earnings
$11,352 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Florida State College ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in Florida list. Located in Niceville, Florida, the small public school awarded 1,254 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from NWFSC accumulate an average of $11,352 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from NWFSC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,913 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read full report on Northwest Florida State College

#24

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida
8,628 Total Awards
$43,652 Average Earnings
$21,373 Avg Student Debt

Florida Atlantic University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #24 on the list. FAU is located in Boca Raton, Florida and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 8,628 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from FAU accumulate an average of $21,373 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $160. During the early years of their career, FAU graduates make an average of $43,652 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

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#25

Florida Gateway College

Lake City, Florida
1,009 Total Awards
$35,950 Average Earnings
$10,896 Avg Student Debt

Florida Gateway College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #25 on the list. Lake City, Florida is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,009 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,896 in student loans.After graduating from FGC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,950 during the early years of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

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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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