The 13 Highest Rated Community Colleges In Florida
Tuition for universities has become insanely high, even for in-state students. So many high school graduates are opting to spend their first few undergrad years at community colleges. There are…
Tuition for universities has become insanely high, even for in-state students. So many high school graduates are opting to spend their first few undergrad years at community colleges. There are a couple of no-brainer reasons why students are making the switch. First, it's helping them save thousands on tuition for the same courses. Secondly, they get to skip the stress of making the perfect college application since community colleges have 100% admission rates. In this post, we highlighted the 13 highest-rated community colleges in Florida. Some are right here in the Tampa Bay area.
This decision is not one to make lightly. Before spending money on tuition, students will want to decide which field they would like to study. Community colleges are great starts for trade and vocational focuses as well as STEM opportunities. If they plan on transferring to a university to finish their degree, they should confirm that their credits will be able to transfer. Location is also a big factor to consider because community colleges do not offer students to live on campus.
Why Should Florida Students Choose Community College?
There are a lot of other perks about attending community college. The classrooms are much smaller than a university so students can have personalized instruction and better connections with their professors. Community colleges also tend to be more flexible for students with busy schedules and have tons of opportunities for online learning. If students want to get a head start on their college courses, they should consider enrolling in dual enrollment.
With the help of Niche.com, we made a list of the 13 highest-rated community colleges in Florida. The ranking is based on analysis of academic, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni. Click here to learn more about their methodology.
These are the 13 Highest-Rated Community Colleges In Florida (Updated 3/18/2024)
#1. Lorenzo Walker Technical College
Location: Naples, FL
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $7,795/year
Popular majors: Automotive Mechanics, Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), and Dental Assisting.
#2. Marion Technical College
Location: Ocala, FL
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $9,080/year
Popular majors: Fire Science and Fire Fighting, Truck, Bus, and Commercial Vehicle Operation, and Licensed Practical Nurse Training. Learn more here.
#3. Pinellas Technical College - St. Petersburg & Clearwater
Location: St. Petersburg/Clearwater, FL
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $10,901 ($7,733 at Clearwater campus)
Popular majors: Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician, and Child Care Provider.
#4. North Florida College
Location: Madison, FL
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $3,910
Popular majors: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic)
#5. Sheridan Technical College
Location: Hollywood, FL
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $5,077
Popular majors: Esthetician and Skin Care, Truck, Bus, and Commercial Vehicle Operation, and Child Care Provider.
#6. Manatee Technical College
Location: Bradenton, FL
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $4,233
Popular majors: Esthetician and Skin Care, Fire Science and Fire Fighting, and Cosmetology.
#7. Orange Technical College - Mid-Florida Campus
Location: Orlando, FL
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $9,749
Popular majors: Electrician, Machine and Metal Working, and Truck, Bus, and Commercial Vehicle Operation
#8. Florida Gateway College
Location: Lake City, FL
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $2,803
Popular majors: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, and Nursing
#9. McFatter Technical College
Location: Davie, FL
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $11,094
Popular majors: Fire Science and Fire Fighting, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic), and Game Design and Interactive Media.
#10. Chipola College
Location: Marianna, FL
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $4,360
Popular majors: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, and Nursing.
#11. Withlacoochee Technical College
Location: Inverness, FL
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $3,564
Popular majors: Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, Police and Criminal Science, and Welding.
#12. Gulf Coast State College
Location: Panama City, FL
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $5,851
Popular majors: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, and Police and Criminal Science
#13. Okaloosa Technical College
Location: Fort Walton Beach, Fl
Acceptance rate: 100%
Net price: $6,618
Popular majors: Cosmetology, Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), and Computer Systems Technician
