Considering a community college in Florida? Learn about the top-ranked programs, the cost of community college, and what career paths you can take.
By
Contributing Writer
An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern...
Updated on October 31, 2023
Edited by
Editor & Writer
Tyler Epps is an editor for BestColleges. He writes and edits content about higher education, specializing in degree planning and college rankings. He is passionate about helping students prepare for college and navigate their educational journey. He...
Learn more about our editorial process
By
Contributing Writer
An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern...
Edited by
Editor & Writer
Tyler Epps is an editor for BestColleges. He writes and edits content about higher education, specializing in degree planning and college rankings. He is passionate about helping students prepare for college and navigate their educational journey. He...
Updated on October 31, 2023
Learn more about our editorial process
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Community college is an affordable path to a credential or college degree. And since Florida is home to over 80 community colleges, there are plenty of high-quality schools to choose from.
At Florida community colleges, you can pursue an academic degree or train in vocational fields. After graduation, you can transfer to a top-ranked Florida college or enter the workforce.
Whether you're looking for a specific program or curious about local community colleges, our ranking and resources can help you find the right school to reach your goals.
Featured Online Associate Programs
How Does the Florida College System Work?
In most states, community colleges only offer two-year degrees. The Florida College System, which includes 28 public colleges, offers two-year and four-year degrees. That means you can pursue a career development certificate, earn an associate degree, or finish a bachelor’s degree at these public institutions.
Once known as the Florida Community College System, today’s Florida College System offers a limited number of bachelor’s programs, with a primary focus on associate degrees. If you graduate from a Florida College System school, you automatically qualify for admission to a four-year public university in Florida.
10 Best Community Colleges in Florida
Ready to find the best Florida community colleges? Here's our ranking for the top community colleges in the Sunshine State.
Florida has many excellent community colleges. Our list of the best community colleges in Florida considers factors like graduation rate, program options, and student services. We also looked for colleges located throughout the state that offer affordable paths to the workforce or further education.
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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#1 Best Community Colleges in Florida: All 80+ Schools
Hillsborough Community College
Tampa, FL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With nearly 20,000 students, Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is one of the largest and most affordable community colleges in Florida. Students pay a net price of around $3,600 at the public college, which offers degrees on-campus and online.
You can choose from over 200 academic options, including specialized programs. HCC also offers career resource centers, childcare support, and counseling programs to help degree-seekers reach their academic and professional goals.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,931
Out-of-state
$7,728
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
19,532
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Accreditation
Yes
#2 Best Community Colleges in Florida: All 80+ Schools
Chipola College
Marianna, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located among the rural rivers and lakes of the Florida Panhandle, Chipola College is a small institution with a focus on individual attention. Less than 2,000 students attend the institution, which operates from a forested campus near the banks of the Chipola River.
You can train in manufacturing, construction, cosmetology, or automotive technology through the workforce department. The college’s transfer-ready associate programs prepare graduates for four-year degrees. You can also earn a bachelor’s in business, education, or nursing at the public institution.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,365
Out-of-state
$8,195
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,943
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Accreditation
Yes
#3 Best Community Colleges in Florida: All 80+ Schools
Miami Dade College
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
It’s the largest community college in Florida. Miami Dade College enrolls over 47,000 students and boasts a diverse student body that represents 167 nations and 63 languages. You can choose from over 300 degree pathways at the school’s eight campuses and outreach centers.
MDC is also known for its cultural offerings, including a film festival, theater, book fair, and museum of art and design. And you can choose from in-person, hybrid, online synchronous, or online asynchronous courses at the community college.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,987
Out-of-state
$7,947
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
46,523
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Accreditation
Yes
#4 Best Community Colleges in Florida: All 80+ Schools
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
With 30,000 students, Broward College is one of the largest community colleges in Florida. Many of those students are first-time college students and adult learners. You can pursue a career-focused certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree at this public institution.
Popular programs include business, education, health sciences, and STEM. You’ll benefit from career services, academic success centers, and internship opportunities at Broward. Students also participate in peer mentoring programs and even study abroad.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,968
Out-of-state
$1,968
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
33,243
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Accreditation
Yes
#5 Best Community Colleges in Florida: All 80+ Schools
Valencia College
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Campus
Choose between 100 certificate programs or over 40 associate programs at Valencia College. You can also earn a bachelor’s degree in six fields. The public community college helps students earn a degree at an affordable price.
Pay $103 per credit for in-state tuition in associate programs. Around a third of students cover their costs completely with financial aid. And close to one in four University of Central Florida grads began at Valencia College.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,984
Out-of-state
$7,933
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
45,949
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Accreditation
Yes
#6 Best Community Colleges in Florida: All 80+ Schools
North Florida College
Madison, FL - 4 years
- Campus
A small community college in scenic Madison County, North Florida College provides individualized support. You can earn a degree in business, the natural sciences, communications, and other transfer-ready fields. NFC also offers career and workforce education programs that provide industry-specific training.
Learners benefit from a peer tutor lab, professional tutoring, and academic coaching. NFC also offers scholarships through its foundation. Applicants need to file the FAFSA and complete an NFC Foundation scholarship application.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,280
Out-of-state
$9,180
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,181
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
Accreditation
Yes
#7 Best Community Colleges in Florida: All 80+ Schools
Florida Gateway College
Lake City, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Choose from over 60 programs at Florida Gateway College, one of the most affordable community colleges in Florida. The public institution reports an average net price of around $3,000 and connects students with grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
You’ll receive one-on-one support with opportunities to customize your program based on your needs. FGC offers online courses, multiple start dates, and class times throughout the week to fit your busy schedule. The college also offers career services, career coaching, and alumni support.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,369
Out-of-state
$9,473
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,018
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
Accreditation
Yes
#8 Best Community Colleges in Florida: All 80+ Schools
Tallahassee Community College
Tallahassee, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Tallahassee Community College, you can prepare for the workforce or easily transfer to Florida State University or Florida A&M University. The community college offers 70 programs in fields like management, nursing, engineering, and law enforcement.
TCC’s first-year experience program helps students transition into college. You can also participate in clubs, campus recreation, or the peer leaders program. Or make use of career services, the counseling center, or the Veterans Affairs office to receive support during your time in college.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,002
Out-of-state
$7,982
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,245
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Accreditation
Yes
#9 Best Community Colleges in Florida: All 80+ Schools
Palm Beach State College
Lake Worth, FL - 4 years
- Campus
Located in sunny Palm Beach County, Palm Beach State College is Florida’s oldest public community college. With five campuses and online programs, PBSC helps students build career-ready skills and prepare for bachelor’s programs.
Choose from over 130 programs, with unique options like ophthalmic medical technology and marine service technology. Or join the honors college for an academic challenge. Outside of the classroom, you can take advantage of student clubs, cultural events, and volunteer activities.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,424
Out-of-state
$8,712
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
26,666
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Accreditation
Yes
#10 Best Community Colleges in Florida: All 80+ Schools
The College of the Florida Keys
Key West, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
It’s one of the smallest community colleges in Florida, but The College of the Florida Keys stands out for its scenic campus and unique programs. You can study marine engineering, renewable energy, or diving at the school. Or earn a degree in nursing, construction, or business.
With campuses in Key West, the Middle Keys, and the Upper Keys, CFK connects students with nature. Or you can enroll in programs online.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,483
Out-of-state
$9,933
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
ROI Score
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
856
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Accreditation
Yes
List of All Community Colleges in Florida
We've created a complete list of all two- and four-year nonprofit community colleges in Florida. You can use the table below to compare data on student population and the average net cost.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). All data is from 2021-2022.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price |
|---|---|---|
| Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations | 506 | $18,689 |
| Altierus Career College-Tampa | 211 | $22,498 |
| Aparicio-Levy Technical College | 321 | N/A |
| Atlantic Technical College | 2,832 | $13,005 |
| Aveda Institute-Fort Myers | 428 | $9,508 |
| Big Bend Technical College | 227 | $8,182 |
| Brewster Technical College | 1,053 | $6,962 |
| Broward College | 30,057 | $15,252 |
| Cape Coral Technical College | 287 | $5,101 |
| Charlotte Technical College | 481 | $10,107 |
| Chipola College | 1,826 | $3,316 |
| College of Central Florida | 5,483 | $7,865 |
| D A Dorsey Technical College | 165 | $4,195 |
| Daytona State College | 11,584 | $5,674 |
| Eastern Florida State College | 13,114 | $5,927 |
| Emerald Coast Technical College | 183 | $16,830 |
| Erwin Technical College | 642 | $11,639 |
| First Coast Technical College | 373 | $19,982 |
| Flagler Technical College | 127 | $5,421 |
| Florida College | 622 | $21,360 |
| Florida Gateway College | 2,706 | $3,079 |
| Florida Panhandle Technical College | 306 | $7,229 |
| Florida SouthWestern State College | 14,326 | $7,792 |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | 20,363 | $2,341 |
| Fort Myers Technical College | 562 | $10,050 |
| Fred K Marchman Technical College | 442 | $5,571 |
| George Stone Technical College | 663 | $6,794 |
| George T. Baker Aviation Technical College | 893 | $5,380 |
| Gulf Coast State College | 4,694 | $5,725 |
| Herzing University Orlando | 746 | $22,237 |
| Hillsborough Community College | 19,504 | $3,628 |
| Immokalee Technical College | 305 | $6,343 |
| Indian River State College | 14,862 | $5,019 |
| Jones Technical Institute | 522 | $18,489 |
| Keiser University Ft. Lauderdale | 19,020 | $35,346 |
| Lake Technical College | 744 | $5,333 |
| Lake-Sumter State College | 4,460 | $7,350 |
| Lindsey Hopkins Technical College | 476 | $7,848 |
| Lively Technical College | 1,430 | $7,334 |
| Lorenzo Walker Technical College | 675 | $12,160 |
| M-DCPS The English Center | 123 | $2,681 |
| Manatee Technical College | 1,054 | $8,859 |
| Marion Technical College | 506 | $4,922 |
| Miami Dade College | 47,245 | $5,478 |
| Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College | 850 | $7,796 |
| North Florida College | 1,127 | $4,968 |
| Northwest Florida State College | 4,898 | $7,082 |
| Okaloosa Technical College | 273 | $11,030 |
| Orange Technical College | 142 | $4,174 |
| Orange Technical College-East Campus | 2,132 | $20,959 |
| Orange Technical College-Mid Florida Campus | 2,310 | $2,603 |
| Orange Technical College-Westside Campus | 1,569 | $11,670 |
| Osceola Technical College | 621 | $4,566 |
| Palm Beach State College | 24,223 | $10,549 |
| Pasco-Hernando State College | 9,202 | $3,919 |
| Pensacola State College | 7,981 | $3,305 |
| Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater | 645 | NA |
| Pinellas Technical College-St. Petersburg | 646 | $22,387 |
| Polk State College | 8,180 | $9,588 |
| Radford M Locklin Technical College | 425 | $3,803 |
| Ridge Technical College | 403 | $23,898 |
| Riveroak Technical College | 187 | $9,049 |
| Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College | 805 | $13,095 |
| SABER College | 122 | $17,736 |
| Saint Johns River State College | 6,434 | $6,187 |
| Santa Fe College | 12,729 | $11,380 |
| Seminole State College of Florida | 14,323 | $3,144 |
| Sheridan Technical College | 1,475 | $9,872 |
| South Dade Technical College-South Dade Skills Center Campus | 338 | $4,320 |
| South Florida State College | 2,892 | $2,579 |
| St. Petersburg College | 23,501 | $2,132 |
| State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota | 8,588 | $13,451 |
| Suncoast Technical College | 1,138 | $14,669 |
| Tallahassee Community College | 11,266 | $3,138 |
| The College of the Florida Keys | 920 | $15,980 |
| Tom P. Haney Technical College | 424 | $10,521 |
| Traviss Technical College | 337 | $5,367 |
| Ultimate Medical Academy | 6,368 | $18,125 |
| Valencia College | 43,370 | $10,482 |
| William T McFatter Technical College | 811 | $10,180 |
| Withlacoochee Technical College | 383 | $10,601 |
How Much Is Community College in Florida?
Community colleges generally charge lower tuition rates than four-year colleges and universities. For example, public two-year community colleges in Florida charged an average of about $9,000 for tuition and fees in 2022.
At public colleges, Florida residents will also see a significant tuition discount. If you're looking for the most affordable path to a degree, you should also consider Florida's online colleges. The most affordable online community colleges can help you save money on your degree.
Check out the table below for data on the cost of community college in Florida.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 2-Year Colleges | $9,345 |
| Private 2-Year Colleges | $17,508 |
| Public 4-Year Colleges (Primarily Associate's) | $6,655 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges (Primarily Associate's) | $26,314 |
Featured Online Bachelor's Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Community Colleges in Florida
Is community college free in Florida?
Community college is free in over 30 states — but unfortunately, Florida does not offer free community college. Still, attending a Florida community college can be one of the most affordable routes to a college degree for Florida residents.
That's because public colleges offer tuition discounts for in-state students. So if you live in Florida, make sure to check the tuition rates for local community colleges.
How many community colleges are in Florida?
There are around 80 community colleges in Florida. That number includes non-profit, two-year institutions, including technical colleges, as well as four-year, primarily associate-granting institutions. These four-year community colleges also offer bachelor's degree programs.
Two-year Florida community colleges offer academic degrees that transfer into bachelor's programs. They also offer vocational programs that train graduates for the workforce.
What is the best community college in Florida?
The top community colleges in Florida include large institutions like Miami Dade College and smaller schools like Chipola College.
Florida community colleges offer career-focused certificates, two-year associate degrees, and a limited number of bachelor’s programs. You can also graduate from a community college and transfer to one of Florida’s public universities.
