Skip to main content

Small Colleges in Florida

50 schools in Florida. See our methodology.

Florida's smallest colleges tell a story of remarkable efficiency and specialization. Key College in Fort Lauderdale achieves a perfect 100% graduation rate with just 16 students, while CBT Technology Institute campuses maintain graduation rates above 87% by focusing intensely on technical skills. The state's 133 small colleges under 5,000 students span an enormous price range from $832 at Chipola College to over $40,000 annually. This reflects Florida's unique educational ecosystem where community colleges serve rural communities alongside specialized career schools targeting the state's booming healthcare and technology sectors. University of Florida-Online leads enrollment with 4,577 students and strong career outcomes averaging $71,588 in early earnings. Healthcare-focused institutions like Galen College of Nursing capitalize on Florida's aging population and medical tourism industry. Meanwhile, rural colleges like North Florida College and Chipola College provide affordable pathways in agricultural and service communities. The state's Bright Futures scholarship program and lack of income tax make these smaller institutions particularly attractive for career-focused education. Acceptance rates vary dramatically from City College-Altamonte Springs' selective 19.2% to more open enrollment models exceeding 60%. This diversity reflects Florida's role as both a destination state and economic center, where small colleges fill specific workforce needs in tourism, aerospace, and healthcare while serving varied populations from international students to rural Floridians seeking affordable career training.
50
Schools
$19,447
Avg. Net Price
$44,755
Avg. Earnings
66.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Florida

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 4,577 $4,702 77.7% 64.6%
2 16 $14,507 100.0%
3 900 $38,218 50.0%
4 293 $32,105 75.0% 19.2%
5 1,601 $29,598 64.5%
6 216 $27,624 61.9%
7 493 $11,281 88.9%
8 452 $17,872 87.4%
9 259 $15,245 75.0%
10 275 83.3%
11 1,068 $31,885 35.6% 33.7%
12 1,218 $832 61.3%
13 817 $1,799 63.5%
14 63 93.3%
15 2,231 $2,915 56.6%
16 125 $10,888 60.7%
17 63 $34,656 79.3%
18 274 $40,694 58.3%
19 2,084 $4,443 51.1%
20 1,037 $18,526 56.0%
21 104 100.0%
22 707 $4,536 61.8% 75.4%
23 3,909 $5,808 45.7%
24 226 $26,290 63.0%
25 3,572 $5,742 44.7%
26 175 92.0%
27 3,614 $2,339 44.8%
28 823 $13,818 40.8%
29 169 $29,461 100.0% 47.3%
30 4,717 $12,310 44.0%
31 3,193 $5,554 42.9%
32 522 $20,833 71.0%
33 188 40.0% 33.3%
34 1,229 $23,655 55.5% 44.2%
35 839 $29,539 33.3% 90.0%
36 472 $25,465 59.4%
37 106 100.0%
38 3,034 $19,113 51.0%
39 2,607 $29,664 69.3% 56.6%
40 202 $10,311 100.0% 69.0%
41 262 $17,375 57.0%
42 2,582 $33,847 76.9% 50.0%
43 340 $39,944 100.0%
44 35 $24,840 50.0%
45 532 $24,026 49.7%
46 2,369 $27,704 57.8% 70.4%
47 248 $8,829 69.2% 92.1%
48 2,649 $26,255 57.0% 57.7%
49 44 $31,336 100.0%
50 363 $19,273 44.2% 49.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Florida's small colleges so affordable compared to other states?

Chipola College costs just $832 annually while North Florida College charges $1,799, making them among the nation's most affordable options. Florida's lack of state income tax and Bright Futures scholarship program help keep costs low. Community colleges particularly benefit from state funding focused on workforce development for Florida's tourism and healthcare industries.

How do graduation rates compare across Florida's smallest colleges?

Graduation rates span from 35.6% to a perfect 100%, with specialized schools typically outperforming traditional colleges. Key College achieves 100% with just 16 students, while CBT Technology Institute campuses maintain rates above 87%. Career-focused programs tend to show higher completion rates than general education institutions.

Is University of Florida-Online worth considering for small college seekers?

Despite enrolling 4,577 students, UF-Online offers the small college feel many seek with a net price of just $4,702 and 77.7% graduation rate. Graduates earn an average $71,588, making it one of Florida's best values. The online format allows personalized attention while maintaining UF's academic standards.

Where do Florida's small college graduates find the highest-paying jobs?

West Coast University-Miami leads in earnings at $102,672, followed by AdventHealth University at $72,282, both targeting healthcare careers. Florida's medical tourism industry and aging population create strong demand for healthcare workers. Technology and nursing programs consistently show higher earning potential than general liberal arts degrees.

Does attending a highly selective small college guarantee better outcomes?

City College-Altamonte Springs accepts only 19.2% of applicants and maintains a 75% graduation rate, but graduates earn $35,994. Meanwhile, less selective schools like CBT Technology Institute produce similar graduation rates with focused career training. Selectivity matters less than program alignment with Florida's job market needs.

What role do Florida's small colleges play in workforce development?

These 133 institutions directly serve Florida's key industries including healthcare, tourism, and aerospace. Galen College of Nursing enrolls 1,601 students specifically for healthcare careers, while technical institutes focus on skills training. Rural colleges like Florida Gateway College serve 2,231 students in underserved communities, supporting local economic development.

Related

Small Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Florida Cheapest Programs in Florida

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.