Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2024

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Top 10 Online Associate Degree Programs in Florida

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  1. Florida Institute of Technology
  2. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
  3. Keiser University
  4. Saint Leo University
  5. St. Petersburg College
  6. Tallahassee Community College
  7. Daytona State College
  8. Seminole State College of Florida
  9. Florida State College at Jacksonville
  10. Hodges University
  1. Florida Institute of Technology
  2. Tallahassee Community College
  3. Saint Leo University
  4. St. Petersburg College
  5. Keiser University
  6. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
  7. Florida State College at Jacksonville
  8. Daytona State College
  9. Hillsborough Community College
  10. Seminole State College of Florida
  1. Keiser University 97%
  2. Baptist College of Florida 89%
  3. Saint Leo University 80%
  4. Florida Institute of Technology 64%
  5. Southeastern University 61%
  6. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 58%
  7. Trinity Baptist College 50%
  1. State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota 38 to 1
  2. Southeastern University 27 to 1
  3. Seminole State College of Florida 26 to 1
  4. Florida State College at Jacksonville 23 to 1
  5. Hillsborough Community College 23 to 1
  6. Tallahassee Community College 23 to 1
  7. St. Petersburg College 22 to 1
  8. North Florida College 20 to 1
  9. Gulf Coast State College 19 to 1
  10. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 19 to 1
  1. Florida Institute of Technology $43,670
  2. Southeastern University $30,148
  3. Saint Leo University $27,050
  4. Keiser University $23,248
  5. Hodges University $15,500
  6. Trinity Baptist College $14,300
  7. Baptist College of Florida $12,450
  8. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $11,185
  9. Daytona State College $3,072
  10. Seminole State College of Florida $2,393
  1. Keiser University $30,032
  2. Florida Institute of Technology $22,338
  3. Saint Leo University $18,436
  4. Hodges University $15,750
  5. Southeastern University $12,000
  6. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $9,276
  7. Baptist College of Florida $4,620
  1. North Florida College
  2. Baptist College of Florida
  3. State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota
  4. Trinity Baptist College
  5. Gulf Coast State College
  6. College of Central Florida
  7. Southeastern University
  8. Hillsborough Community College
  9. Hodges University
  10. Florida State College at Jacksonville
  1. Baptist College of Florida
  2. North Florida College
  3. Gulf Coast State College
  4. Trinity Baptist College
  5. State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota
  6. College of Central Florida
  7. Hodges University
  8. Southeastern University
  9. Seminole State College of Florida
  10. Hillsborough Community College
  1. Trinity Baptist College 50%
  2. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 58%
  3. Southeastern University 61%
  4. Florida Institute of Technology 64%
  5. Saint Leo University 80%
  6. Baptist College of Florida 89%
  7. Keiser University 97%
  1. Baptist College of Florida 8 to 1
  2. Hodges University 10 to 1
  3. Trinity Baptist College 10 to 1
  4. Florida Institute of Technology 14 to 1
  5. Keiser University 15 to 1
  6. Daytona State College 16 to 1
  7. College of Central Florida 17 to 1
  8. Saint Leo University 18 to 1
  9. Gulf Coast State College 19 to 1
  10. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 19 to 1
  1. Gulf Coast State College $1,750
  2. Hillsborough Community College $1,931
  3. St. Petersburg College $1,943
  4. College of Central Florida $1,987
  5. Tallahassee Community College $2,002
  6. Florida State College at Jacksonville $2,095
  7. North Florida College $2,280
  8. State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota $2,365
  9. Seminole State College of Florida $2,393
  10. Daytona State College $3,072
  1. Baptist College of Florida $4,620
  2. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $9,276
  3. Southeastern University $12,000
  4. Hodges University $15,750
  5. Saint Leo University $18,436
  6. Florida Institute of Technology $22,338
  7. Keiser University $30,032

Key Takeaways

  • Earning an associate degree is an affordable way to get started on your college education. The typical associate degree will take about two years to complete.

  • Many community colleges and two-year schools in Florida offer both traditional and online degree programs for students pursuing their associate degree in a wide variety of disciplines.

  • Students who earn their online associate degree in their state of residence are typically eligible for in-state discount rates. If you are a resident of Florida, finding an online associate degree here at home will typically be the most affordable way to begin your higher education.

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Florida

The state of Florida offers a wealth of options for students seeking both traditional and online degree programs. With more than 40 public and 50 private schools, prospective students can earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from an extremely wide variety of brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Florida.

Colleges in Florida are also uniquely affordable, with the state average tuition of $6,360 falling well under the national average. Among the most popular disciplines in Florida are anthropology, nursing, law, religious studies, and earth sciences. Many of these valuable degrees are available through online courses and fully online degree programs.

Indeed, nearly 40 colleges and universities in Florida offer online degrees. These online degree programs offer flexibility, convenience and accessibility. Make sure to choose an online degree program with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Among the largest colleges in Florida is Miami Dade College. This public college is home to over 165,000 students across eight campuses and 21 outreach centers as well as various excellent online degree programs. Miami Dade College also offers an extremely affordable in-state tuition of $3,000.

Students seeking a religious school can choose from 21 colleges and universities that are grounded in Judeo-Christian, Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, and Christian principles. Ranked as the top two schools, the University of Florida (UF) and Florida State University (FSU) both have large student populations, with just over 45,000 at UF and just under 39,000 as FSU. Both are also affordable, with tuition at $6,000 and $7,000, respectively.

At $50,000, the University of Miami is the most expensive private college in the state and has graduated influential people such as Gene Roddenberry, Sylvester Stallone, and Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Florida also offers its nursing students up to $4,000 in financial aid through their Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Coastal cities, sandy beaches, orange groves, and vibrant flowers - it’s no wonder Florida is called The Sunshine State. Home to the famous Everglades National Park and Disney World, Florida also boasts 90 higher education institutes.

With so many options for both traditional and online colleges in Florida, this state has a lot to offer higher education students. Check out Florida’s best degree programs and top career paths.


What are Florida’s Colleges & Universities?

Florida’s Best Overall

What is an Associate Degree?

An associate degree is a two-year degree that can be earned at state community colleges, vocational schools, and most accredited colleges and universities.

What will I study with an associate degree?

The associate degree provides an introductory level college education. You will usually take an array of liberal arts or humanities courses along with introductory level courses in a specific subject area. Most associate degree programs are available to both on campus students and online students.

Why get an associate degree?

There are several good reasons to get an associate degree. An associate degree is an affordable and accessible way to get a college education while improving your earning potential. The associate degree is popular both among students looking for entry-level work in their field, and for those who are already working.

The online degree is particularly popular at the associate level because so many students must balance work responsibilities and studies. Online courses and complete online programs make it possible for students to earn associate credits and degrees without disrupting daily work responsibilities.

The associate is also a far more affordable and accessible alternative to earning a bachelor’s degree. The associate degree takes about half as long to earn as a bachelor’s degree. Associate students need 60 credits to graduate, versus the 120 credits needed for a bachelor’s degree. And many state community colleges offer low tuition rates.

Can I get a job with an associate degree?

You can get an entry-level job in your field with an associate degree. Many students will use the associate degree as a way to get relevant job training before entering the job market. In fact, many associates will pursue entry level work in their field while earning a bachelor’s degree through online education.

Should I get an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree?

You may want to get an associate degree first to save money, or improve your admission chances, before getting a bachelor’s degree. The associate degree is a popular stepping stone for students who will seek a bachelor’s degree. When you earn an associate degree from an accredited state community college, you can usually transfer your credits toward your bachelor’s degree program.

Can I get an online degree at the associate level?

You can definitely get an online degree at the associate level. A growing number of online colleges offer high-quality associate-level online courses and complete online programs. Online students will typically take the same courses and curricula as on campus students.

Are associate degrees from online colleges respected?

Online degrees at the associate level are respected as long as these online degrees come from accredited community colleges or two-year schools. Regional accreditation is important when it comes to online colleges. If you plan to go into a bachelor’s degree program at a regionally accredited school, you must earn your online degree from a regionally accredited associate degree program.

If you need more answers to frequently asked questions about online degrees, we can help.

Best Online Associate Degree Programs in Florida
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Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2023

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $43,670
    Expenses: $17,346
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Aviation Management
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Management
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 67
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    17%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University

    Cost of Degree: $11,185
    Starting Salary: $70,300

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Aviation Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Technical Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Aeronautics
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Aviation Maintenance
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in In Engineering Fundamentals
    • Required Credits: 65
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for degree at Keiser University

    Cost of Degree: $23,248
    Expenses: $27,451
    Starting Salary: $35,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Medical Administrative Billing and Coding
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Medical Assisting
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Leo University

    Cost of Degree: $27,050
    Expenses: $19,552
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #5

    St. Petersburg College

    St. Petersburg , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    33K

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Petersburg College

    Cost of Degree: $2,682
    Starting Salary: $36,700

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Management and Operations
    • Accounting Operations
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Financial Services
    • Supply Chain and Logistics
    • Marketing
    • Bachelor’s Degree Transfer
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Computer Information Technology

    Concentrations

    • Computer Support
    • Data Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Computer Programming and Analysis
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Data Science
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Digital Forensics and Computer Investigations
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Networking Technologies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Web Development
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Crime Scene Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminal Justice Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Emergency Administration and Management

    Concentrations

    • Emergency Administration and Management
    • Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Fire Science Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Health Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 70
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Veterinary Technology
    • Required Credits: 73
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tallahassee Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,026
    Starting Salary: $35,100

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Criminal Justice Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Paralegal and Legal Studies​
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Early Childhood Development and Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Arts
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #7

    Daytona State College

    Daytona Beach , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at Daytona State College

    Cost of Degree: $3,106
    Starting Salary: $32,700

    Online Associate Degrees

    AA in Criminal Justice Technology Bridge
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    21K

    Career Outlook for degree at Seminole State College of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $3,131
    Starting Salary: $35,100

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Administrative Office Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Entrepreneurship and Business Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Social Media and Marketing
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Computer Programming and Analysis
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Information Systems Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in General Education Requirements
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville

    Cost of Degree: $2,657
    Expenses: $11,711
    Starting Salary: $35,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Accounting Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Office Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Computer Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in IT Security
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminal Justice Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Early Childhood Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Arts
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #10

    Hodges University

    Fort Myers , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hodges University

    Cost of Degree: $15,500
    Starting Salary: $43,600

    Online Associate Degrees

    AA in Digital Design and Graphics
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in General Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    37K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hillsborough Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,506
    Expenses: $15,702
    Starting Salary: $36,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Business Administration and Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Hospitality Administration Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Fire Science Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Education - Teacher Preparation
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Math Education - Teacher Preparation
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Opticianry
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. #12

    Southeastern University

    Lakeland , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $30,148
    Expenses: $16,160
    Starting Salary: $37,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Ministerial Leadership
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $2,710
    Starting Salary: $34,900

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminal Justice Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Transfer Degree
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #14

    Gulf Coast State College

    Panama City , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Gulf Coast State College

    Cost of Degree: $2,370
    Starting Salary: $34,000

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Hospitality and Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Business Administration and Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #15

    Trinity Baptist College

    Jacksonville , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    990/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Trinity Baptist College

    Cost of Degree: $14,300
    Expenses: $9,818
    Starting Salary: $33,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 65
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota

    Cost of Degree: $3,074
    Starting Salary: $34,900

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Accounting Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Business Administration and Management

    Concentrations

    • Entrepreneurship
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Risk Management - Insurance Services
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Computer Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Technology Project Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. #17

    Baptist College of Florida

    Graceville , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Baptist College of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $12,450
    Expenses: $8,782
    Starting Salary: $36,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    AA in Music
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Divinity
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. #18

    North Florida College

    Madison , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at North Florida College

    Cost of Degree: $2,994
    Starting Salary: $31,900

    Online Associate Degrees

    AS in Accounting Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AS in Criminal Justice Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in General
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Florida is just one of many states offering excellent online associate’s degrees. To check out our rankings, look into the best online associate’s degrees in Oklahoma, Wyoming, Delaware, and more!

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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