2023 Best Online Community Colleges in Florida

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) is a public college situated in Jacksonville, FL. They offer 25 online degrees and 35 online certificates — all of which are available to remote students globally. FSCJ sets itself apart from other community colleges by its abundance of bachelor's programs available to online students. There are 10 programs in total, including a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.

Some students may prefer to pursue a certificate that may offer a quicker path to the workforce. To achieve this, FSCJ offers technical certificates and career certificates for clinical research coordinators, funeral directors, and health navigator specialists, among several others. Online programs such as these are delivered through the learning management system (LMS) Canvas. Additional resources for online students include career development and academic advising.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC), located in Plant City, FL, is a public school and the fifth largest institution in Florida's State College System. HCC's catalog features 29 online programs in a wide array of majors that include information technology, communications, humanities, engineering, and performing arts. Among the online offerings is one Bachelor of Science in Nursing — the rest of the programs are at the associate or certificate level.

There are nine college credit certificates which serve to prepare students to enter the workforce in that particular field. These subjects include game design and development, real estate paralegal, a variety of business certificates, and more. For remote students, HCC offers a live online support center, where students can receive technical support for their required software, including Canvas, the school's chosen LMS.

St. Petersburg College is situated in its namesake city on the Gulf Coast. They offer 79 online programs which include certificates, associate in science degrees, associate in arts degrees, transfer plans, and bachelor's degrees. With so many options to choose from, students can explore a range of majors, such as accounting, cybersecurity, homeland security, nursing, and web development. St. Petersburg College is unique in that they also offer short-term training programs that are less than three months long. Here, students will gain a foundational understanding of subjects ranging from health services administration to project management. Online students take classes through the LMS MyCourses, receive free 24/7 tutoring support through Tutor, and have access to a virtual learning commons that features video tutorials.

Broward College is a public college located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. They have over 70 online programs students can participate in from around the world. These online degrees are categorized through eight pathways: (1) Arts, Humanities, Communication, and Design; (2) Business; (3) Education; (4) Health Science; (5) Industry, Manufacturing, and Construction; (6) Public Safety; (7) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math; and (8) Social Behavioral Sciences and Human Services.

Courses are delivered on a flexible schedule through the Desire2Learn platform. Students can view live lectures and engage with instructors and fellow students through discussion forums and live chats. Exams are proctored online as well, meaning students aren't required to visit campus at any point. Online students have access to career services and a 24/7 online writing center.

The Seminole State College of Florida is a public community college in Sanford, FL. With 58 online programs available, the majors at SSC span business, marketing, art, geography, and more. Students may choose from technical certificates, bachelor's degrees, and associate degrees. Examples of available online programs include a Bachelor of Science in Construction, a Technical Certificate in Accounting Operations, and an Associate in Science - Business Administration.

All online courses at SSC are taken through the Canvas LMS, where students can engage in a more flexible learning environment. Some programs may require on-campus orientation or proctored exams; however, the majority of courses are delivered in a fully online format. Additionally, the college's Office of eServices is available to assist online students with academic advising, financial aid, and enrollment.

Polk State College (PSC) is a public Hispanic-Serving Institution that offers associate and bachelor’s degrees, including fully remote degrees in aerospace, business, criminal justice, and nursing. A bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours, so full-time students typically need four to five years to complete their schooling. Polk State admits all applicants and 30% of students graduate.

The coursework is delivered through an asynchronous and synchronous learning management system called Canvas. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to one, which means that online students can expect a lot of one-on-one time with their instructors. Online students are eligible for financial aid and can apply for scholarships the college offers. They also have access to the school's online writing center and tutoring services. Polk State College is best known for its affordability and strong programs in business and healthcare.

Miami Dade College (MDC) is a public, Hispanic-Serving Institution and a two-year school with online associate and bachelor's degrees in a myriad of subjects ranging from science to the arts. Through MDC Online, students can earn their online degree or online certificate with credits that can go toward a degree. Overall, MDC has a 36% graduation rate.

Students may choose to earn an Associate of Science online in the following subjects: accounting technology, business administration, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice technology. If they choose to go with an Associate of Arts instead, this can also serve as a pathway toward a four-year degree, with guaranteed enrollment at a Florida-based university.

The Indian River State College (IRSC) is a public, nonprofit institution offering online programs at associate and bachelor’s levels, including 15 online bachelor's degree programs. These include degrees in business administration, criminal justice, healthcare management, and several others. Students typically must complete 120 credit hours to earn an undergraduate degree, meaning a full-time student typically earns their degree in four to five years. IRSC is highly accessible, as it accepts 100% of applicants, and it has a 40% graduation rate.

As for the coursework, online students complete assignments and attend classes using Blackboard, a popular learning management system. Additionally, they have access to library services, tutoring, and full academic advising. IRSC has a 25-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Online students can be eligible for financial aid as well as various scholarships. All in all, IRSC stands out for its affordability and open admission policy.

​​The Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) is a small public, nonprofit college. While it’s a two-year school, it also offers online bachelor’s degree programs. Options for online bachelor's degrees include accounting, human resources, general business, and more. Undergraduate degrees normally require the completion of 120 credit hours, and most full-time students earn their degrees in four to five years. The acceptance rate at EFCS is 100%, meaning all first-time students who apply get accepted. Further, 42% graduate — which is higher than most two-year schools.

At EFSC, students use Canvas to manage their online coursework. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16 to 1. Online students at EFCS can apply for financial aid, and the college offers several scholarships. They also have access to library electronic resources, academic advising, and tech support. Overall, EFSC may be worth consideration for students seeking affordable and accessible education.

St John’s University (SJR) is a public, nonprofit institution offering two-year degrees and bachelor’s degrees for online students. Currently, there are only two bachelor’s degree programs students can complete online: (1) organizational management and (2) nursing. SJR advertises more online associate degree options, such as business administration, accounting technology, criminal justice technology, and a few others. St John’s has an open admission policy, meaning it accepts all students who apply, and 40% of students graduate.

Online students at SJR use Canvas to manage their coursework and attend virtual classes on the same schedule as their on-campus peers. Online students can be eligible for financial aid, as well as consider applying for numerous scholarships. Remote students can also use the library and get access to tutoring and other resources. SJR can be worth looking into for students seeking affordable quality education accessible to everyone.

Keiser University (KU) is a private, nonprofit institution dedicated to serving Hispanic students. KU offers various degree programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, many of which are available for online completion. Popular online undergraduate programs include emergency management, homeland security, and healthcare administration. Graduation typically requires 120 semester credit hours, with full-time students taking four to five years. KU has a high acceptance rate of 96%, making it easily accessible. The institution also maintains a 56% graduation rate.

KU employs Blackboard as its learning management system, enabling students to manage coursework at their convenience. Financial aid, grants, and scholarships are available. Despite its size, KU maintains a commendable student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1. Online students benefit from academic counselors, technical support, and other services, including participation in the Esports athletic program. Overall, Keiser University is renowned as a Hispanic-serving institution, providing flexible scheduling, high-quality degree programs, and an engaging learning experience for online students.

The Pensacola State College (PSC) is a public, nonprofit college that offers certificates, associate and bachelor's degrees. These include a few online degree options, such as a bachelor’s degree program in business and management with a concertation in healthcare management, which takes 120 credit hours to complete — or eight semesters for a full-time student. PCS has an open admission policy, meaning all applicants get accepted. The school’s graduation rate is 32%.

Online students at PCS use a learning management system, Canvas, for their coursework in an asynchronous format. This allows for a flexible schedule as students don’t need to meet with their instructors virtually at specified dates or times. The student-to-faculty ratio at PSC is 22 to one. Online students have access to a virtual tutoring lab, technical support, academic advising, and more. Eligible students can qualify for financial aid, and there are scholarship and grant opportunities. Overall, PCS can be a great choice for students who want flexible learning schedules and affordable degrees.

The Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is a private, nonprofit healthcare education institution that offers associate degrees and diploma programs. Online associate degree programs are available in health information management, healthcare accounting, medical billing and coding, and other majors. Associate degrees require 63 credits to complete and typically take a full-time student 18 months to complete. UMA advertises an open admission policy, and all applicants get accepted. The school’s graduation rate is 56%.

UMA students enrolled virtually manage coursework through a learning management system Blackboard. Online students can take advantage of flexible scheduling to earn a degree at their own pace. Further, the school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to one, meaning each student should be able to easily connect with instructors individually. Eligible students can receive financial aid, as well as grants. The school also encourages students to research other tuition assistance resources, such as scholarships. Other services online students have access to include career services, online resources, certification/licensure exam preparation, and more. All in all, UMA is known for high quality healthcare training and helping students succeed in their careers.

The Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) is a public institution offering programs at the certificate, associate, and bachelor’s levels. Online learning is available for eligible degree programs. Online bachelor’s degree programs FWS offers include nursing, supervision and management, public safety administration, and cardiopulmonary sciences. These programs consist of 120 credit hours and typically take a full-time student four to five years to complete. Florida SouthWestern has an open admission policy, accepting all applicants, and a 33% graduation rate.

Online students at FSW use Canvas, a learning management system, four coursework, and virtual classes, which are asynchronous. The student-to-faculty ratio at FSW is 27 to 1. Students can apply for financial aid, and scholarships are available. The school also offers academic advising, career help, and other services. Overall, FSW stands out as an accessible and affordable school that aims to offer an individualized approach to each student.

The State College of Florida, Manatee - Sarasota (SCF) is a public institution that offers various levels of degree programs, including associate and bachelor’s. The school also provides online learning opportunities, including bachelor’s degree programs in early childhood education, nursing, and health services administration. Students in bachelor’s programs must complete 120 credit hours, which typically take full-time students around four to five years. SCF has an open admission policy — or a 100% acceptance rate — and 33% of students graduate.

Online students at SCF use a learning management system, Canvas, to do their coursework virtually. Courses can be synchronous or asynchronous. The student-to-faculty ratio at SCF is 21 to 1. Eligible students can receive financial aid, as well as scholarships and waivers. Additionally, online students can take advantage of such services as tutoring, a library, a wellness program, and others. All in all, SCF provides quality education at an affordable price and in a format that fits a student’s schedule.

The Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is a public institution that provides both non-degree and degree programs. These include programs available online, including six bachelor’s degree programs and four associate programs. Online bachelor’s degree programs include degrees in management and supervision, nursing, and early childhood. To earn a degree, students must complete 120 credit hours, which normally takes full-time students four to five years. NWFSC accepts all students who apply and has a graduation rate of 32%.

NWFSC who attend virtually use Canvas, a learning management system, to take classes and manage coursework. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 23 to 1. Distance learners can be eligible for financial aid as well as scholarships. Plus, online students can use such services as academic advising, tutoring, and more. To sum up, NWFSC offers low-cost education that’s student-centered and accessible.

Florida National University - Main Campus (FNU) stands as a private, for-profit institution that offers comprehensive degree programs at associate, bachelor's, and master's levels, including fully online options. Notable online programs include bachelor's degrees in legal studies, accounting, business administration, information technology, and others. To achieve a bachelor's degree at FNU, students must effectively complete 120 credit hours, a journey spanning four to five years for full-time attendees. FNU embraces an open admission policy, extending acceptance to 100% of applicants, while 55% of students end up graduating.

FNU caters to online students through the Blackboard learning platform, facilitating access to coursework with both synchronous and asynchronous options. Eligible students can avail themselves of financial aid and scholarships. Additionally, virtual attendees enjoy access to essential student services, including academic advising and career assistance. The institution proudly maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to one, fostering individualized connections between students and instructors.