13 Best Online Colleges In Jacksonville Florida

Distance students often look for inexpensive online college degree options in Jacksonville FL. Having so many choices–so many in fact that you can’t find the right choice for your needs is always the best.

To help you make this important decision, we’ve researched the market to determine the very best affordable online colleges in Jacksonville FL based on rating Points.

Of course, Jacksonville Florida is the largest city by area in the state as well as the continental United States, covering over 840 square miles. It is located in the Northeastern part of the state where the St. John’s River meets the Atlantic Ocean. 

This massive city has 1,100 miles of coastline, which of course means, tons of beautiful beaches and resorts to make it a fabulous and highly sought travel destination.

With so much to see and do in Jacksonville, why wouldn’t anyone want to attend school there or nearby?

List of the 13 Best Online Colleges in Jacksonville FL

There’s far more to Jacksonville than beaches. there are plenty of museums and world-class art, not to mention thousands of acres of parks and trails.

For this ranking, we have evaluated colleges and universities with online options within about 250 miles of Jacksonville FL.

This makes the furthest schools just over 3 hours by automobile, making it an easy day trip when visits to the campus may be desired or required.

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Ranking Methodology

We’re going to rate the best schools by the Graduation rate, and cost per credit hour, and classify all using points, rankings like this one require a great deal of research.

This one began with a search for “online college degrees near Jacksonville, Florida.

On the National Center for Education Statistics website and its publicly available College Navigator database.

Once a sizable group of schools was identified, they conducted the second round of research; this time, all the information was taken from each school’s website.

Let’s use 1 Point per degree level as the credit per hour method.

• Under $250 – 4Point
• $251 – $350 – 3Point
• $351 – $450– 2Point
• Over $451 -1POint

#1. University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida is home to the University of Florida and is around 70 miles from Jacksonville. In 1905, the Buckman Act consolidated Florida’s public higher education schools and established the University of the State of Florida.

The four previous institutions that ended up forming the university were The University of Florida at Lake City (formerly Florida Agricultural College), East Florida Seminary, St. Petersburg Normal and Industrial School, and South Florida Military College, the oldest of which dates back to 1853.

In the many years since, the senior member of the State University System of Florida has grown and transformed into the third-largest university in Florida by student population, serving over 54,000 students.

With high retention and graduation rates, it’s clear why UF has ranked high among schools in Florida as one of the best online colleges in Jacksonville FL, as well as public schools in the United States.

However, online students at the University of Florida are allowed to graduate from one of the best online colleges in Florida and receive the same credentials as those who choose to receive their degree on campus.

Online Gators can rest assured that they are participating in programs that have been created by leaders in online education.

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Rating factors outline

The University of Florida offers online degrees, giving students a variety of popular subjects to choose from such as Business Administration, Nursing, Computer Science, Psychology, Sport Management, and many more.

If you wish to Study online with the University of Florida use the like below.

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#2. Florida State University

Florida State University resides in the state capital of Florida, Tallahassee, which is about 165 miles from Jacksonville.

The college is commonly referred to as Florida State or FSU and is the oldest continuous site of higher education in the state with its origins dating as far back as 1851.

Of course, FSU is also one of the senior members of the State University System of Florida and serves more than 41,000 students.

As one of the best online colleges in Jacksonville FL, students taking courses online at FSU can earn several of the most popular undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Rating factors outline

Florida State University Undergraduates who meet the requirements for participation can choose from several subjects, such as Computer Science (BA or BS), Social Science (BS), Criminology (BS), and Public Safety and Security (BS) which is available in 3 different majors.

If you wish to Study online at Florida State University use the like below.

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#3. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida, or USF, is located in Tampa, Florida which is just under 200 miles away from Jacksonville.

The school was founded in 1956 and has been dedicated to higher education and providing quality courses and programs for its students ever since.

There are around 48,000 students that attend USF annually through all three locations; Tampa, Sarasota-Manatee, and St. Petersburg. USF is also a member institution of the State University System of Florida.

When it comes to choosing your area of study, it can be overwhelming with so many choices available at USF.

On the contrary, the online options for students who require and enjoy the flexibility of distance learning can choose from several bachelor’s degree programs in popular areas of study, such as RN to BS, BA in Criminology, BS in Applied Sciences – Public Health, BS in Information Technology and others.

Rating factors outline

The University of South Florida has a space for students who desire or require the flexibility of distance learning. These students can choose from several bachelor’s degree completion programs in popular areas of study, such as RN to BS, BA in Criminology, BS in Applied Sciences – Public Health, BS in Information Technology, and others.

If you wish to Study online with the University of South Florida use the like below.

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#4. University of Central Florida

Around 140 miles from Jacksonville is Orlando, Florida, home to the University of Central Florida, also known as UCF. The public research university is the largest university in the United States by both enrollment on a single campus as well as undergraduate enrollment

UCF was founded in 1963 and opened for enrollment five years later to help to educate and provide graduates to serve as personnel for the growing space program along what is now considered the Space Coast of Florida.

Of course, today the school serves more than 64,000 students and offers a wide variety of educational programs for a range of professions and career choices.

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Rating factors outline

The University of Central Florida offers Bachelor of Applied Science, BA in English – Literature, BS in Psychology, BA or BS in Criminal Justice are just a few of the undergraduate programs available

If you wish to Study online with the University of Central Florida use the like below.

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#6. Jacksonville University

Florida Gateway College, formerly Lake City Community College, is a state college in Lake City, Florida, U.S. It is part of the Florida College System

It is one of the institutions in the system designated a “state college”, allowing it to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees, and on January 9, 2011, FGC started accepting applications for its new RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a program that is offered to current RNs with an Associate in Science degree in Nursing from a regionally accredited college.

The institution was established in 1947 as the Columbia Forestry School and became a junior college in 1961. 

Of course, today the school serves 7,000 students each year from its five-county district, which includes Baker, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Union counties

Rating factors outline

The Florida Gateway College offers academic programs in liberal arts and sciences, occupational training, and personal enrichment.

If you wish to Study online with the Florida Gateway College use the like below.

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#7. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University is a private university with its main campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona.

It is the largest accredited university system specializing in aviation and aerospace. It considers itself to be one of the top aviation and aerospace schools in America

On December 17, 1925, Talton Higbee Embry and John Paul Riddle founded the Embry-Riddle Company at Lunken Airport in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the spring of 1926, the company opened the Embry-Riddle School of Aviation

Of course, today this university’s eastern campus serves approximately 5,700 undergraduates and 600 graduate students from over 100 countries.

Rating factors outline

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University based on programs in aviation maintenance, air traffic management, applied meteorology, aeronautical science, aerospace and occupational safety, flight operations, and airport management, and all are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

If you wish to Study online with the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University use the like below.

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#8. University of North Florida

The University of North Florida, or UNF, is located in beautiful Jacksonville, Florida, and is a member institution of the State University System of Florida.

The university opened in 1972 and was initially designed to fulfill the higher education needs of juniors and seniors. However, in 1984 the university began opening its doors to college freshmen.

The university was founded in 1969 after 1,000 acres (4.0 km²) midway between downtown Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Beaches were set aside for the campus, 500 acres (2.0 km²) of which were donated by the Skinner family of Jacksonville.

Rating factors outline

The University of North Florida’s Academic Departments include art and design, biology, chemistry, physics, communication, criminology and criminal justice, English, history, mathematics and statistics, music, philosophy, political science and public administration, psychology, sociology and anthropology, and World Languages.

Undergraduate programs are offered in accounting, economics, finance, financial services, international business, management, marketing, and transportation and logistics…. find out more Programs

If you wish to Study online with the University of North Florida use the like below.

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#9. Daytona State College

Daytona State College is a state college in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is a member institution of the Florida College System. 

DSC is home to the Southeast Museum of Photography and has partnered with the Volusia and Flagler County school districts to form the Advanced Technology College, which allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college credits via dual enrollment.

Rating factors outline

The Daytona State College began offering Bachelor of Science in Education degrees in the spring of 2009, Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degrees in the fall of 2010, and Bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and Information Technology in January 2014.

If you wish to Study online with the Daytona State College use the like below.

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#10. St. Johns River State College

St. Johns River State College is a public college in Northeast Florida with campuses in Palatka, St. Augustine, and Orange Park.

Founded in 1958 (for organizational purposes) as St. Johns River Junior College, it is a member institution of the Florida College System and one of several colleges in the system designated a “state college”, meaning they can offer more four-year bachelor degrees than traditional two-year community colleges.  

The college has four campuses, which are spread out over four counties. The Palatka campus is located in Putnam County, and the St. Augustine Campus is located in St.

John’s County, the Orange Park campus resides in Clay County, and the Florida School of the Arts is located at the Palatka campus. The main campus sits on more than ninety acres and enrolls an average of 7,200 students.

Rating factors outline

The St. Johns River State College students can choose from a variety of programs, and the college awards degrees in accounting, business, childcare training, computer programs, criminal justice, drafting, early childhood education, educator preparation, emergency medical services, health care, nursing, marketing, office management and administration, teacher certification, and fire science technology.

If you wish to Study online with the St. Johns River State College use the link below.

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#11. Trinity Baptist College

Trinity Baptist College is a private Independent Baptist college in Jacksonville, Florida. It was founded in 1974 by Trinity Baptist Church. It is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

of course, all students will have a fully functioning learning management system on hand through the TBCOnline portal.

Features for this degree include 24/7 technical support, financial aid, academic and career advising, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Rating factors outline

Trinity Baptist College currently offers two associate’s degrees, a bachelor’s degree, and two master’s degrees; however stand-alone courses are also available for students. and also fields of study include education, Biblical studies, and educational leadership.

If you wish to Study online with the Trinity Baptist College use the like below.

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#12. Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology, commonly called Florida Tech and abbreviated FIT, is located approximately 175 miles from Jacksonville in Melbourne, Florida.

The school was founded in 1958 and was originally named Brevard Engineering College, but has been FIT since 1966.

As the name suggests, the school’s academics tend to focus on engineering, sciences, and technical skills. However, there are other areas of study available for students. Today the school serves more than 6,500 students.

Rating factors outline

The Florida Institute of Technology offers programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, psychology, cybersecurity, aviation management, and information technology.

If you wish to Study online with the Florida Institute of Technology use the like below.

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#13. Stetson University

DeLand, Florida is around 110 miles from Jacksonville and there you can find the private, nonprofit Stetson University.

The university was founded in 1883 by the New York philanthropist Henry Addison DeLand and was originally named DeLand Academy.

It later became DeLand University and was renamed John B. Stetson University in 1889 in honor of one of the institution’s benefactors, who was also a hat manufacturer.

Eventually, the university came to be known as simply Stetson University, and the athletic teams are the Stetson Hatters, presumably in honor of the benefactor’s profession. Today, the university serves more than 4,300 students.

Rating factors outline

Stetson University offers a wide variety of subjects which include English, Accounting, Computer Science, Psychology, Health Science, and more. 

If you wish to Study online with Stetson University use the like below.

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FAQ: 13 best online colleges in Jacksonville FL

Conclusion

If you are applying for any online colleges in Jacksonville FL, remember there are many factors you need to consider. Things like: Being computer Literate, Having sufficient Money for Data Bundles, and more.

You should also the duration of the course you are about to embark on to see that it fits into your long and short-term academic plans.

References

• www.greatvaluecolleges.net – Top 10 Online Colleges in Florida: Jacksonville
• www.fscj.edu – Online Courses
• www.franklin.edu– 2024 Guide To Top Online Bachelor’s Degrees Near Jacksonville, Florida
• www.onlineschoolscenter.com – Jacksonville Schools Offering Online Degree Programs

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