2024 Best Colleges for Low-Income Students in Florida

• Gainesville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  8,004 reviews

Sophomore: The student organizations, resources for students, and variety of courses is incredible. Every day I discover a new opportunity for professional and personal growth and the resources for mental and physical health are phenomenal. The fitness centers on campus have classes, personal training, and top notch equipment. There are so many ways to get involved and a club for EVERY interest, both personal and professional. My only complaints are that the advisors can be hit or miss. Some advisors are incredible and give you a breath of information and provide you with a ton of resources but some advisors left me with more questions than answers. Some of the professors are amazing and passionate and the reason why I changed my major to economics. On the other hand some professors were so incredibly bad that I changed my major to something outside of their discipline. Some professors courses are incredibly unorganized and were more about them showing off than helping students. Great school!... Read 8,004 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $9,809

• SAT range 1300-1470

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  7,569 reviews

Junior: As a junior and a current student at FSU, I have to say that my experience has been nothing short of amazing. I've had the privilege of spending three incredible years at this institution, and my love for FSU only grows stronger. The campus is not only stunning but also feels like a second home. The professors and staff are truly exceptional, always willing to support and guide us on our academic journey. The opportunities for personal and professional growth are endless, and the diverse range of courses keeps me engaged and excited about learning. But what truly sets FSU apart is the sense of community. The friendships I've formed and the memories I've created here are invaluable. As a junior, I can confidently say that FSU has exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to see what my senior year holds. If you're considering FSU, I can't recommend it enough – it's a place where you'll thrive and create lifelong memories. Go Noles!... Read 7,569 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $12,684

• SAT range 1180-1340

• Tampa, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  7,471 reviews

Freshman: I honestly didn’t think I would love USF as much as I do! Do to get me wrong, it is far from perfect, but it is slowly becoming home. Pros: the community is great, campus is huge so there’s always things to do! The games are awesome, the events are fun, there’s always free merch, information and even food from time to time. The library is the perfect place for studying and the structure is amazing. Cons: I wish there was more variety in the dining halls specifically if you’re trying to keep healthy. Some services don’t work great, like contacting the university through email, submitting documents, submitting proof of health insurance, and because of that many people get holds that take months to solve and can even get dropped of their classes. I also wish there were more on-campus job opportunities considering how big the university is. Overall a great college experience so far!... Read 7,471 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $10,004

• SAT range 1160-1320

• Orlando, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  22,256 reviews

Freshman: I am an early admittance student slated to begin my journey as a college freshman during my senior year of high school at UCF starting in August of 2023. My experience has been incredibly positive so far beginning with my initial tour of the campus, through the application and acceptance process and lastly checking off my "to do" checklist in order to be ready for orientation. Every campus employee that I have encountered has been welcoming, encouraging and informative which has alleviated much of the pressure of being a first time college student! I highly recommend this institution of higher education!... Read 22,256 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 36%

• Net price $11,575

• SAT range 1170-1350

• Miami, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  7,424 reviews

Freshman: I started attending Florida International University this summer and I absolutely love it. This is the only University that attracted me in Florida. The diversity in this school is truly incredible, there’s so many people from different backgrounds and it’s nice to get to know them. The people there also feel very welcoming and inclusive, and that’s what I really look for in a school. It lets make me gain more knowledge and become less ignorant of others. The professors I’ve had so far are incredible too, they are understanding and good at teaching. It feels like there is a strong support system and you can go to people when you feel troubled. The only bad thing is the parking situation because it can get very complicated at time but its something that can be fixed very quickly. I still love it there tho!... Read 7,424 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $9,398

• SAT range 1060-1240

• Sarasota, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  99 reviews

Alum: I had an extraordinary time at USFSM! While they did not have dorms, they made up for it in events and camaraderie. There is always something going on at USFSM - whether it is during Week of Welcome, or Relaxation week during Finals, or presentations, the campus is buzzing. Everyone at USFSM, including the chancellor, is easily accessible. Everyone wants you to be successful, and provides you with the tools to do so. You can join student government, any club you can imagine, or nothing at all. There was never a time where I felt I wasn't welcomed. There are no "cliques" either. Everyone was friendly and approachable.... Read 99 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 24%

• Net price $2,734

• SAT range 1160-1290

• St. Petersburg, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  547 reviews

Freshman: As a freshman here attending the University of South Florida - St. Petersburg, I can say that the overall experience is very great! All of the staff are welcoming and very hospitable, the upperclassmen are helpful, and the classes are great as well! On the topic of classes, because this campus is smaller than the main campus, it only takes less than 10 minutes to get to class. To add, It also not difficult to make friends either, especially through the many fun events and clubs that the university hosts.... Read 547 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 27%

• Net price $10,841

• SAT range 1140-1280

• Naples, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Alum: Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology is an institute designed to encourage people to surpass themselves and jump directly into the workforce through the means of getting qualifications which are enticing to job providers. They also encourage students to do their best and provide the means to be able to surpass themselves with their own efforts.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,795

• SAT range —

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  2,707 reviews

Junior: I mostly thoroughly have enjoyed my time at Florida A&M University. The school offers a plethora of opportunities and displays a wide variety of education paths. FAMU is very inclusive and is filled with innumerable opportunities to gain real world experience in order to better prepare their students for their futures. Personally, as a business administration scholar, I am rewarded the opportunity to converse with some of the most profound leaders of some of the world's most successful corporations such as Wells Fargo, Capital One, Boehringer Ingelheim, and many more at our Weekly Forum meetings. This is one of my favorite perks, as it allows the students to gain first hand knowledge. Consequently, I believe that the school could improve on its overall service to students & parents. With heavy traffic, getting half from campus staff is not alway the smoothest process. Overall, the school's morale, culture, and opportunities are like none other!... Read 2,707 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 35%

• Net price $12,539

• SAT range 1010-1150

• Pensacola, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,826 reviews

Freshman: I’m a biomedical science major and I have absolutely loved it! I’m from Wyoming and it feels like a home away from home. Classes are challenging, yet professors really work with you to make sure you’re at your full potential. I’ve joined so many things that I would’ve never imagined, joined AED (Alpha Epsilon Delta) which is a medical honor society with many volunteer opportunities, rushed for a sorority and have met so many people. It’s crazy to me how kind people are here, always smiling and wanting to talk. On top of everything the campus is absolutely gorgeous and has its own hiking trails. If I could go back and look for a college again, I wouldn’t change my decision.... Read 1,826 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $10,344

• SAT range 1040-1230

• Ocala, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  29 reviews

Junior: I love it so far. I just started in the radiologic technology program there and I was able to apply early, and the staff was very accepting and helpful with that. They provided me will all the information and handouts that I needed, the day that I asked for them, and even after office hours which I appreciate SO much. They are extremely organized and they show so much care to their students already and they’re very attentive to our needs. The instructors are very big on emphasizing that if we need academic help the doors are always open to us and I love that. Everyone there also has an amazing personality and they’re all so different and likes me in their own ways. This makes me really interested in what they have to say and makes me want to learn more. Plus they do hands on activities which I love and they review with us.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,080

• SAT range —

• Jacksonville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  2,997 reviews

Junior: Nursing. Financial aid office A+: knowledge, kind, helpful. Doesn't brush you off. General admissions is disorganized and unhelpful with the exception of one individual I came across, as is nursing admissions. Admin in my major could use some executive couching to improve organizational & communication skills. If you go into the program being prepared to deal with these realities, you will be able to enjoy the many positives the nursing programs UNF offers. Most professors are competent & kind, good clinical opportunities & experience, good teamwork among cohorts. Every nursing program will have it's positives & negative, but UNF is still pretty darn good! While I believe UNF tuition is a hair cheaper than UF, I believe UF has more substantial scholarship opportunities. The additional costs associated with UNF's program (supplies, required purchases) are surprisingly high & higher than what is published on the dept. page, so please research to make best decision for YOU.... Read 2,997 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $7,746

• SAT range 1000-1210

• Madison, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  144 reviews

Sophomore: Great College! it might not be as big as other colleges but it definitely provides all the help you need and the professors are always there when you need them. Being in a small college has a lot of benefits, you receive more help in all areas whether it advising, financial aid office, or tutors.... Read 144 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,910

• SAT range —

• Sarasota, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  466 reviews

Alum: The academics and professors are excellent! I picked NCF because of the small class sizes and private school feel. It was helpful to have a faculty advisor in my discipline throughout my time here, and I am thankful she pushed me to take courses outside my major. It is a plus to have established positive relationships with multiple professors in my field. I highly recommend using the on-campus resources (Writing Resource Center, Center for Engagement and Opportunity, librarians, Counseling and Wellness Center, etc.). I enjoyed living in Sarasota (there is a lot to do) and using the bayfront. The only downsides of the college are the food (quality + meal times) and how hard it can be to fit in and make friends (even when active on campus). If given a choice, I would pick NCF again, as I have grown intellectually and feel prepared for grad school due to the rigor of the courses.... Read 466 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $9,727

• SAT range 1120-1340

• Hollywood, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  52 reviews

Freshman: Sheridan technical is a great school. Most of my friends have studied there and told me that the teachings at the school is very impressive. They offer certificates and degrees in various fields of studies. I am going to be majoring in Information Technologies and my advisor has been awesome. She has made the registration process so easy and has been very helpful. Personally I would recommend this college to anyone, especially now that we are living in a day and age where a bachelor degree is not needed for most careers. You can receive a certificate will little to no debt and start working immediately.... Read 52 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,077

• SAT range —

• Bradenton, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  31 reviews

Freshman: I have taken multiple technical classes with this school and have recently enrolled in another. The teachers all work together to make sure the students pass all the state/national certifications they are given. Often times the classes mix together to get different ways of performing the same task. Overall I would recommend this class or the school to anyone asking.... Read 31 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,233

• SAT range —

• Boca Raton, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  4,922 reviews

Sophomore: I have had such a great time at FAU for the past year. Both Boca and Jupiter are such wonderful places to be in; the areas are relatively safe, bustling with life, and help me develop people skills and get out in the world. The facilities are top tier and the staff really care about my path in life. I have met future bridesmaids, fell in love with academia, and felt so free yet supported in college. All my classes have been really great and very helpful for my career goal. There have been bumps in the road, but the tutoring, support/therapy groups, friends, and overall faculty/staff/students have been incredible. The housing is also comfortable and beautiful. The alumni network is great; I have made friends with people who walk by and see my Owl sticker or my shirt. They are always so curious as to how school is, and I cannot help but gush about how wonderful it has been so far. To many more years!... Read 4,922 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $8,771

• SAT range 1020-1200

• Fort Myers, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  2,656 reviews

Alum: I enrolled at FGCU as part of the Accelerated Collegiate experience program (ACE) which is an opportunity given to local high school students to advance and obtain a collegiate education. I was and still am very interested in pursuing medical school; the advising department was nonexistent for this, but with online resources, you can compensate. FGCU had great opportunities in the form of research opportunities for those interested. I completed research and was even published! Further, I also had the opportunity to be involved in other activities such as recreation soccer and volunteering. I co-founded a volunteering organization.... Read 2,656 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $9,840

• SAT range 1010-1180

• Orlando, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  8 reviews

Niche User: I was a dual-enrollment student in OTC Mid Florida campus, and it was a really good experience. They have all the required equipment for the things you want to major in, and it's a good way to save on some money while going to school. Would recommend.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,749

• SAT range —

• Lake City, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  379 reviews

Sophomore: Florida Gateway College is a great school! There are so many activities and options open for a student. There are always events going on and the professor comes to the activities, even when they start during your class time. The professors are great teachers, in the short amount of time you get with them, you get to them know them and they get to know you. There is associability between the library, student center, and student success center. You can study, do homework, find tutors, and even make new friends! Florida Gateway is a wonderful public college that I have enjoyed, the advisors are so friendly and helpful. I recommend FGC to all my friends looking for a great college to go to, I know the big named schools like UF and FSU are places that everyone wants to go but FGC is an amazing environment and their options for classes and degrees are wonderful as well. I have enjoyed my time at FGC and if I ever want to go back, I know I will always be welcomed!... Read 379 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $2,803

• SAT range —

• Marianna, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  172 reviews

Alum: Chipola College offered an escape from the hellish nature of high school. I began my journey here during my junior year. As a dual enrolled student, I needed a flexible schedule. I was able to take classes early in the morning and late in the evening. I attribute much of my success to the thoughtfulness of my professors. My high school was failing to teach me what I needed to know. Then, I attended Chipola and finally felt like I was being reasonably prepared for life beyond the small town I inhabited. I eventually became a full time student and graduated with a 4.0 GPA and an AA degree. I rarely filled out surveys to admit my satisfaction with the program, but I hope that one day I will be what this establishment helped me to be.... Read 172 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,360

• SAT range —

• Inverness, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  18 reviews

Niche User: So far, my experience has been great at WTC! All of the staff is very welcoming, kind, and helpful; the classes are very affordable with a fair amount of assistance for those in need of it; and the instructors truly try their best to create curricula that is actually relevant to your field and the certifications you should be taking at the end of the course.... Read 18 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,564

• SAT range —

• Panama City, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  563 reviews

Senior: I have enjoyed my experience so much at Gulf Coast State College. The professors are all so nice and helpful, with very well designed courses. The class sizes are smaller which gives much better attention to each student for their education. The students have been so fun! The campus is diverse and there are events and games often. I really enjoy their digital media program as it goes for studies this has been the best college experience I've had out of three others. The best thing about Gulf Coast State College is the tuition rates. They are affordable and offer scholarship opportunities within the school to help students pursue their brightest future possible with the highest ROI possible. I have already had several career opportunities present themselves to me before I have even graduated, and they are all exciting! I highly recommend Gulf Coast State College to anyone looking for a college in Florida.... Read 563 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,163

• SAT range —

• Avon Park, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  380 reviews

Alum: My experience at South Florida State College was great. Every professor I had was helpful, respectful, engaging, and overall made the school feel very welcoming. The staff at the Desoto campus were always helpful in anything I needed and very encouraging when I needed help. I liked how it was very easily accessible to view your classes, schoolwork, and overall upcoming dates.... Read 380 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,958

• SAT range —

• Tampa, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  2,465 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with Hillsborough Community College and its professors has been amazing! Each of the campuses that are a part of the college as a whole painted a well drawn out picture of what is to come for prospective students. Each campus is well maintained, clean, safe, and inviting. The professors I have worked with during my time in their classes have helped me to grasp the material taught and help me maintain high grades through their excellent instruction and awareness of students needs.... Read 2,465 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $2,215

• SAT range —