The Formula for Success
In Florida, you'll find lots of options for continuing your education after high school. This overview can help you understand the different types. But don't stop here. Use the Resource Guide for details and contact information forn individual schools. Next step: Make an appointment with an admissions counselor and take a tour.
The Florida Virtual Campus has a great tool to help you choose.
Go to www.flvc.org click "Degrees and Careers" then "College & University Profiles"
State Universities
State Universities may be a good choice if you're seeking a four-year degree in a specific major. State universities also have many distance learning courses available to help with cost and scheduling.
Enrollments vary from fewer than 1,000 students to nearly 60,000.
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees
Admission RequirementsOther factors may include:
- High school grade point average (GPA) and difficulty of coursework
- SAT or ACT
- Essay
- Recommendation letters
- Extracurricular activities
Estimated Costs: $205 per credit hour, or $6,153 for a 30-credit year
Private Colleges and Universities
Private Colleges and Universities provide a unique atmosphere and many times a smaller setting where you can earn a four-year degree. Generally, tuition costs at private schools are higher than state schools, but many are able to offer strong financial aid packages that can make them an option worth considering.
Enrollments vary from 100 students to nearly 25,000.
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, depending on particular school
Admission RequirementsCompletion of required courses in high school will help you prepare for admission.
Estimated Costs: Can vary greatly with annual tuition/fees ranging from $10,000 to $40,000. Check individual schools for specific figures.
State and Community Colleges
State and Community Colleges offer a variety of options. You can earn a two-year associate degree before transferring to a state university. Plus, many of these schools now offer four-year degrees as well, at about half the tuition cost of some state universities.
Enrollments vary from 1,000 students to more than 80,000.
Degrees Offered: Associate and four-year bachelor's degrees
Admission RequirementsAND
Other requirements established by the Division of Florida Colleges
Estimated Costs: $103 per credit hour, or $3,090 for a 30-credit year
Career, Technical and Trade Schools
Career, Technical and Trade Schools may be the way to go if you have a specific occupation in mind and want a program that involves hands-on learning experiences. There are both public and private options with varying costs, and financial aid is often available.
Location & Size: Programs are offered in all 67 school districts, all 28 schools in the Florida College System, 51 technical centers and at many private schools.
Degrees Offered: Certificates
Admission Requirements: Most programs have an open admission policy.
Estimated CostsPrivate: Costs vary by school.