4 Inexpensive Colleges in Florida for International Students

4 Inexpensive Colleges in Florida for International Students

Key Takeaways

  • The University of Central Florida is the most affordable school in Florida.
  • Inexpensive online colleges in Florida help students to lower expenses on commute, accommodation, and traditional textbooks.
  • Online degree programs offer the same support systems as on-campus programs, including career services and academic advising.

Florida’s sunny beaches, vibrant cultural diversity, and nearness to Latin America have long beckoned aspirational international students pursuing the American Dream. However, as American universities increasingly depend on higher international tuition rates to make up budget gaps from shrinking public funding, the costs of an American degree are drifting farther out of reach.

Yet hidden below the rankings of America’s most expensive destinations for international students sits Florida, where worldwide learners can still find affordable higher-level education in the Sunshine State.

Exterior building of a college in Florida

Cheap Colleges in Florida for International Students

We’re sharing some of the least expensive colleges in Florida that international students can attend. Not only is this a great location to earn a degree in, but it has a solid job market for international students to find potential careers after college.

Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at University of Central Florida

Cost of Degree: $6,368
Expenses: $17,668
Starting Salary: $51,200
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary

University of Central Florida has over 3,400 international students attending, and they’re from over 135 countries.

The university is known for its diverse and inclusive environment, which is evident in its substantial international student population. UCF is particularly recognized for its excellence in various academic fields, including its undergraduate engineering program.

For international students, UCF provides a supportive and engaging environment. The university’s global community is nurtured by UCF Global, which serves as the primary hub for international students, faculty, and staff.

This hub offers an array of programs and services, including English language programs, Pathway Programs, and support for maintaining visa status. Additionally, UCF’s commitment to providing high-impact, international experiences is evident in its numerous partnerships and initiatives that enhance global competency.

Key Features

  • UCF scored top 20 among the most innovative colleges in the US for 2024
  • The university’s location offers a blend of educational excellence and access to a wide array of recreational and professional opportunities in one of the most popular cities in the world.
  • UCF offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid options tailored to international students.

Tuition Fees

International undergraduates’ estimated expenses are $37,286, and graduate students invest $40,806. This price includes tuition and fees, living expenses, and mandatory health insurance.

University of Central Florida’s Online Degrees

BS in Hospitality Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Restaurant and Foodservice Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Senior Living Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BAS in Legal Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Technical Education And Industry Training
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Anthropology
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Communication And Conflict
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Diversity Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in English
Degree Concentrations
  • Creative Writing
  • Literature
  • Technical Communication
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in History
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BGS in Integrative General Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BAS in Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in International And Global Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Latin American Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Political Science
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Religion And Cultural Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Social Sciences
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Sociology
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Health Informatics And Information Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Health Services Administration
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Nursing
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at Florida International University

Cost of Degree: $6,565
Expenses: $18,316
Starting Salary: $52,000
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary

Florida International University

Florida International University (FIU) is an outstanding choice for international students seeking a quality and affordable education in the United States. Located in Miami, a city known for its cultural diversity and vibrant international community, FIU offers a dynamic learning environment that is particularly welcoming to students from abroad.

With over 3,700 international students from more than 140 countries, FIU boasts a truly global campus, fostering a multicultural and inclusive atmosphere.

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at FIU is committed to assisting international students in their transition to life in the U.S. and at the university. This office provides vital information and support on practical matters to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition for international students.

Additionally, FIU offers a range of academic programs and pathways to admission, including options for international freshmen, transfer students, and graduate students, ensuring that students from diverse educational backgrounds can find a program that suits their needs. There are over 200 degree programs for students to select from, allowing everyone to find a major they’re interested in.

For international students looking to pursue a master’s degree, FIU is a great cheap grad school to attend.

Key Features

  • With students from over 140 countries, FIU’s multicultural environment is ideal for international students looking to immerse themselves in a diverse educational setting.
  • Experience academic excellence, especially in fields like business, global policy, and international law.
  • FIU offers FIU Online, which allows students to begin their studies remotely.

Tuition Fees

Undergrads are charged $618 per credit, and with various fees, international students can expect to pay about $18,964 for tuition. This does not include additional expenses such as food or room and board.

Financial accessibility is a priority, with 82% of students awarded financial aid averaging $10,629 per student. FIU’s commitment to affordability opens doors to quality education for all.

Florida International University’s Online Degrees

BA in Theatre
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BFA in Theatre
  • Required Credits: 128
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BBA in Finance
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Hospitality Management
Degree Concentrations
  • Beverage Management
  • Culinary Management
  • Event Management
  • Hotel/Lodging Management
  • Restaurant/Food Service Management
  • Travel And Tourism Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BBA in Human Resource Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BBA in International Business
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BBA in Logistics And Supply Chain Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BBA in Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BBA in Marketing
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Public Relations Advertising And Applied Communications
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BBA in Real Estate
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Recreation And Sport Management
Degree Concentrations
  • Parks Management
  • Recreation And Sport Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Computer Science
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Information Technology
  • Required Credits: 39
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Internet Of Things
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Crime Science
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education Bs
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Anthropology
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Asian Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in History
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in International Relations
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies Ba
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Organizational Communication Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Political Science
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BPA in Public Administration
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Religious Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Social Welfare
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Sociology
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Women's And Gender Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BHSA in Health Services Administration
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Psychology
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Computer Engineering
  • Required Credits: 128
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Electrical Engineering
  • Required Credits: 128
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Statistics
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
Students studying on a college library
Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at Florida Atlantic University

Cost of Degree: $4,879
Expenses: $19,974
Starting Salary: $48,300
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is an excellent choice for international students seeking a quality education in the United States. Located in Boca Raton, Florida, FAU is part of the State University System of Florida and offers a wide range of academic programs across its multiple campuses.

The university is known for its diverse and inclusive environment, hosting students from approximately 100 countries, making it a microcosm of global cultures and perspectives. FAU’s commitment to international students is evident through its International Student Services (ISS), which is part of the Center for Global Engagement.

The university’s academic structure and admission process are tailored to accommodate international students. With over 220 areas of study, this institution provides a comprehensive list of programs that international students can choose from.

Key Features

  • It is ranked #1 most diverse college in Florida with students from over 100 countries
  • The International Student Services ensures that international students receive the necessary support for both their academic and personal needs
  • Leverage transfer credits for prior college experience, streamlining your path to graduation.

Tuition Fees

International undergraduates’ FAU expenses are estimated to be $44,226, which includes 24 credit hours and 12 months of living expenses.

Florida Atlantic University’s Online Degrees

BBA in Accounting
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BBA in Hospitality And Tourism Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BBA in Management
Degree Concentrations
  • Leadership And Applied Managerial Skills
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BBA in Marketing
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Computer Science
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Bachelor Of Public Safety Administration
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BSN in RN to BSN
  • Required Credits: 32
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Geosciences
Degree Concentrations
  • Geography
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: None Reported
Exterior building of a university in Florida

University of Florida

Gainesville , FL
Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at University of Florida

Cost of Degree: $6,381
Expenses: $15,430
Starting Salary: $65,700
Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary

The University of Florida (UF) is an excellent choice for international students looking for a prestigious and affordable education in the United States. As Florida’s largest and oldest university, UF consistently ranks within the top 100 universities worldwide.

It hosts over 6,000 international students, ensuring a globally recognized fully accredited education. The university is a center for education, medicine, cultural events, and athletics in the state, offering students unrivaled access to world-class facilities and a vibrant, diverse campus community.

UF’s commitment to international students is evident in its holistic admission review process, which treats international applicants equally to domestic students. The university provides specific guidelines for international students regarding secondary school transcripts, English proficiency, and standardized test scores.

Additionally, UF’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, with a significant number of international students, emphasizes diversity and welcomes international students at all levels.

Key Features

  • Join a diverse community of over 47,000 students, fostering a global perspective in your educational experience.
  • UF’s global ranking and its diverse international student body from over 95 nations contribute to a rich cultural and educational experience on campus.
  • Benefit from personalized academic guidance, career services, and a supportive online community, enhancing your learning journey.

Tuition Fees

International students planning to attend UF will pay around $25,600 for tuition, along with another $14,700 for housing, books and supplies, and other fees each year.

Three international students with piles of books in front of them
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What’s the Cheapest College in Florida?

In the area of affordability, the University of Central Florida sticks out. With a range of affordable online programs and a dedication to assisting college students, UCF gives quality education without breaking the bank.

What College in Florida Has a 100% Acceptance Rate?

While it’s accurate that no reputable college claims a 100% acceptance rate, Florida International University stands out with a reasonable acceptance rate of 64%. FIU seamlessly integrates research excellence with an inclusive environment, ensuring accessibility for many aspiring students.

What Florida College Is the Easiest to Get Into?

Ease of acceptance varies, though Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has a 78% acceptance rate and offers accessible pathways to higher education. FAU caters to diverse learners and provides online programs in Florida and on-campus options.

Conclusion

International students seeking renowned degrees that don’t break the bank will see that Florida offers some viable options. When applying, remember to look at potential financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help reduce costs even more.

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