Colleges in Florida

Florida is home to 144 four-year colleges and universities. Which one is ideal for you?

If you’re thinking about attending college in Florida, it’s time to learn as much as you can about your options in this state! Florida has a population of 19.8 million—about 6% of the nation’s total. It’s a densely populated state, with about 350 people per square mile, which is much higher than the nation’s average of 87.4^[i]. In Florida, most higher education institutions are in the central part of the state or on the eastern coast. Florida is also home is also home to specialized schools like vocational colleges and polytechnics.

Let’s look at some more facts about this great state^[ii]:

• Florida has 144 four-year institutions, much higher than the national average of 56.
• There are 79 two-year institutions, compared to the national average of 33.
• There are a lot of students in Florida! The national average for total fall undergraduate enrollment is 344,418, while Florida boasts 927,044—almost a million students!
• The total number of degrees and certificates awarded in Florida for the 2009/2010 school year was 252,115, the majority of which were Bachelor's degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions about Education and Careers in Florida

Q: What is the Florida College System?^[iii]

The Florida College System includes 28 colleges and community colleges. 65% of high school graduates in Florida attend a school in the Florida College System. Some of the colleges in this network are Santa Fe College, Florida State College and Daytona State College.

Q: What is the median salary for all jobs in FL? *

In 2012, the median salary for all jobs in Florida was $31,060.

Q: Do I need a degree to pursue a job in Florida? ^[iv]

The answer is … not necessarily, but it may help. As everywhere else, higherearners in Florida tend to have higher degrees. But there are opportunities forpeople without degrees as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2013, “about 27% of all U.S. jobs were in occupations that typically require less education than a high school diploma for entry.” In Florida it was almost 30%. So while a degree may make a real difference in pay, it’s not necessarily required to look for work in Florida.

Q: What are top-paying jobs in Florida? *

While every job will range in actual salary, Florida reports Dentists as thejob with the highest median salary, followed by Psychiatrists, Pediatricians, Judges and Nurse Anesthetists.

Q: What are growing job markets in Florida?^[v]

Florida is anticipated to see growth in markets like Construction, Health Care, Engineering, Manufacturing and Education.

Q: What are a few of the growing job titles in Florida? ^[v]

Florida is projected to see growth in a number of occupations, including Home Health Aids, Cement Masons, Cost Estimators, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, HVAC and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists and Nurse Practitioners.

Q: What are a few fast-growing companies in Florida*?

As reported by Inc., the following companies are fast-growing in Florida: The HCI Group (Health), Dynamic Dental Partners Group (Health), MedHOK (Health), Showroom Logic (Advertising and Marketing) and IQ Formulations (Health).

*This listing is for informational purposes only and does not represent that jobs are available or will be available at these companies.

Q: How many companies exist in Florida?^[i]

Florida offers 510,389 private non-farm establishments — meaning an organization not classified as a government company, with a single physical location, and at least one employee.

Q: How many independent businesses are operating in Florida?^[i]

In 2012, Florida reported 1,775,605 sole proprietorships (meaning no paid employees). This is 7.8% of the national total.

[i]quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/12000.html [ii]nces.ed.gov/programs/stateprofiles/sresult.asp?mode=full&displaycat=4&s1=12 [iii]floridacollegesystem.com/home.aspx [iv]bls.gov/careeroutlook/2014/article/education-level-and-jobs.htm [v]floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/data-center/statistical-programs/employment-projections