🏖️ Florida College Opportunities
Florida offers some of the most affordable and accessible higher education options in the country. Whether you’re planning to go straight to a university, start at a state college, or earn an associate degree first—Florida has a path for you.
🎓 Florida’s 2+2 Program: Guaranteed University Admission
Florida’s 2+2 articulation agreement guarantees that students who complete an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree at any Florida College System institution are guaranteed admission to a Florida public university.
- ✅ Save money by starting at a state college
- ✅ Smaller class sizes for your first two years
- ✅ Guaranteed transfer to a state university
- ✅ Stay close to home or go online
🏫 Florida College System (State Colleges)
The 28 state colleges in Florida (formerly known as community colleges) offer:
- 🎓 Affordable tuition
- 🎓 Associate degrees (A.A. and A.S.)
- 🎓 Bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields
- 🎓 Workforce training and certifications
🏛️ Florida State Universities
Florida is home to 12 public universities, including:
- University of Florida (UF)
- Florida State University (FSU)
- University of Central Florida (UCF)
- Florida International University (FIU)
- University of South Florida (USF)
💰 Bright Futures Scholarships
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program rewards Florida high school students for academic achievement with tuition scholarships at eligible Florida institutions.
Main Award Levels:
- Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) – up to 100% tuition
- Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) – up to 75% tuition
- Gold Seal CAPE and Gold Seal Vocational – for technical education
Requirements include:
- 📚 GPA and test scores (SAT, ACT, or PERT)
- 📚 Required coursework
- 📚 Community service hours
- 📚 FAFSA submission (recommended)
🎓 In‑State Tuition Options in Georgia for Florida Residents
1. Valdosta State University (VSU)
Florida residents can apply for the Border State Residents Out-of-State Tuition Differential Waiver, which, if approved, allows them to pay in-state tuition. Eligibility may include living in Florida for 12+ months, graduating from a Florida high school, or holding Florida voter registration or a driver’s license.
🔗 Valdosta State University – Border State Waiver
2. Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern offers the Border State Waiver to residents of Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree-seeking program and meet basic eligibility requirements.
🔗 Georgia Southern University – In-State Tuition Info
3. University of North Georgia (UNG) – Gainesville Campus
Florida residents attending the Gainesville campus (or other qualifying UNG campuses) may qualify for in-state tuition under the Border State Waiver program.
🛠️ Skilled Trades & Apprenticeships in Florida
College isn’t the only path to success—Florida offers excellent training programs in the skilled trades. These careers are in high demand, pay well, and often allow you to start earning while you learn.
Popular Trades:
- Electrician
- Plumbing
- Welding
- HVAC
- Construction & Carpentry
- Automotive & Diesel
- Health Sciences & EMT
🔧 Apprenticeships combine classroom instruction with paid, hands-on training.
📍 Try searching online for “trades and apprenticeships in [your city]”
🌐 FloridaShines and Xello
FloridaShines is your one-stop shop for college and career planning in Florida. From college comparisons to credit transfers—it’s all in one place.
Xello (formerly MyCareerShines) helps students explore careers based on their interests and plan for the future.
📘 Dual Enrollment and Virtual Learning
Florida students can earn college credit while still in high school through dual enrollment, saving time and money. Many students also enroll in online courses through Florida Virtual School (FLVS).
🏠 Residency for In-State Tuition
To qualify for in-state tuition rates, students must meet Florida’s residency requirements. This can save families thousands in tuition costs.
👨👩👧👦 For Homeschool and Private School Families
Homeschooled students in Florida are eligible for Bright Futures, dual enrollment, and admission to public colleges and universities. Each district has a Home Education Office to assist with documentation and eligibility.
💬 Have suggestions for this page?
We’d love to hear your feedback or any helpful resources specific to Florida. Feel free to share your insights so we can keep this page as useful and up-to-date as possible!