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Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Florida

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2023 Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Florida

68 Schools Ranked
$5,531 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,008 Avg Student Debt

There are so many nursing programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Nursing Degree Search has created its Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Florida ranking. Our analysis looked at 68 schools in Florida to see which associate degree programs were the most popular for nursing students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

1,084 Total Awards
$13,635 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,566 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Rasmussen University - Florida to be the most popular school for nursing students who want to pursue a associate degree in Florida. Rasmussen University - Florida is a medium-sized private for-profit school situated in Ocala, Florida. It awarded 1,084 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $13,635 to cover tuition and fees at Rasmussen University - Florida. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,566 in student loans. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Rasmussen University - Florida. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Florida

#2

Miami Dade College

Miami, Florida
614 Total Awards
$2,838 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,819 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Miami Dade College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Florida list. MDC is a large public school situated in Miami, Florida. It awarded 614 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Florida who attend MDC full time pay an average of $2,838 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,661. Associate Degree recipients from MDC accumulate an average of $15,819 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

MDC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 80% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Miami Dade College Report

#3

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
601 Total Awards
$22,000 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,011 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale is a great place for nursing students working on their associate degree. Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale is a private not-for-profit institution located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 601 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $22,000. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,011 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 45% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale

#4

Galen College of Nursing - Tampa Bay

Saint Petersburg, Florida
448 Total Awards
$35,636 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Galen College of Nursing - Tampa Bay. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Florida list. Galen College of Nursing - Tampa Bay is a private for-profit institution located in Saint Petersburg, Florida. The school has a small population, and it awarded 448 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $35,636 in student loans. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Galen College of Nursing - Tampa Bay. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 66% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#5

St Petersburg College

Clearwater, Florida
446 Total Awards
$2,682 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,838 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at St Petersburg College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in Florida. St Petersburg College is a large public school located in Clearwater, Florida that handed out 446 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Florida pay an average of $2,682 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SPC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,286. Associate Degree recipients from SPC accumulate an average of $22,838 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since SPC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 87% took at least some of their classes online.

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#6

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida
445 Total Awards
$2,657 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,510 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Florida State College at Jacksonville did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Jacksonville, Florida is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 445 students in 2020-2021.

Students from Florida who attend FSCJ full time pay an average of $2,657 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,631. Associate Degree recipients from FSCJ accumulate an average of $18,510 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Online courses are available at FSCJ, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 89% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#7

Broward College

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
303 Total Awards
$2,830 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,682 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Broward College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. BC is a large public school situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It awarded 303 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at BC is $2,830. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,952. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,682 in student loans. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at BC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 87% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Broward College

#8

Valencia College

Orlando, Florida
278 Total Awards
$2,474 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,714 Avg Student Debt

Valencia College landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Located in Orlando, Florida, the large public school awarded 278 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Florida who attend Valencia College full time pay an average of $2,474 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,383. Associate Degree recipients from Valencia College accumulate an average of $17,714 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Valencia College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 96% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#9

Florida SouthWestern State College

Fort Myers, Florida
269 Total Awards
$3,401 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,085 Avg Student Debt

Florida SouthWestern State College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. FSW is a public institution located in Fort Myers, Florida. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 269 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Florida who attend FSW full time pay an average of $3,401 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,979. Associate Degree recipients from FSW accumulate an average of $16,085 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

One thing to take note of is that FSW does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 73% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Florida SouthWestern State College Report

265 Total Awards
$3,131 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,707 Avg Student Debt

Seminole State College of Florida ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Florida list. Sanford, Florida is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 265 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Seminole State is $3,131. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,456. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,707 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Seminole State does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 88% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#11

Palm Beach State College

Lake Worth, Florida
237 Total Awards
$3,050 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,428 Avg Student Debt

Palm Beach State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #11 on the list. Palm Beach State College is a public institution located in Lake Worth, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 237 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Florida who attend Palm Beach State College full time pay an average of $3,050 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,910. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,428 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Palm Beach State College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 96% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Palm Beach State College Report

235 Total Awards
$2,506 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,707 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Hillsborough Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. This fairly large public school is located in Tampa, Florida, and it awarded 235 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Florida pay an average of $2,506 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend HCC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,111. Associate Degree recipients from HCC accumulate an average of $19,707 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at HCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 88% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#13

Pensacola State College

Pensacola, Florida
229 Total Awards
$2,367 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,198 Avg Student Debt

Pensacola State College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Florida ranking. Located in Pensacola, Florida, the medium-sized public school handed out 229 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Pensacola State is $2,367. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,482. Associate Degree recipients from Pensacola State accumulate an average of $11,198 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Pensacola State does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 79% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#14

Santa Fe College

Gainesville, Florida
204 Total Awards
$2,563 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,132 Avg Student Debt

Santa Fe College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #14 on the list. Santa Fe College is a fairly large public school located in Gainesville, Florida that handed out 204 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Santa Fe College is $2,563. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,189. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,132 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Santa Fe College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 73% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Santa Fe College Report

#15

Daytona State College

Daytona Beach, Florida
199 Total Awards
$3,106 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,832 Avg Student Debt

Daytona State College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Daytona State College is located in Daytona Beach, Florida and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 199 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Daytona State College is $3,106. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,994. Associate Degree recipients from Daytona State College accumulate an average of $15,832 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Daytona State College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 77% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Daytona State College

#16

HCI College

West Palm Beach, Florida
197 Total Awards
$18,150 Average Tuition & Fees
$34,870 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, HCI College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. HCI College is a very small private for-profit school located in West Palm Beach, Florida that handed out 197 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend HCI College, expect to pay an average of $18,150 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $34,870 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at HCI College. In fact, around 11% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full HCI College Report

#17

Pasco-Hernando State College

New Port Richey, Florida
180 Total Awards
$3,155 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,342 Avg Student Debt

Pasco-Hernando State College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Located in New Port Richey, Florida, the medium-sized public school handed out 180 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at PHSC is $3,155. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,032. Associate Degree recipients from PHSC accumulate an average of $15,342 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since PHSC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 98% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Pasco-Hernando State College Report

#18

Universal Career School

Sweetwater, Florida
175 Total Awards

With a ranking of #18, Universal Career School did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Universal Career School is a very small private for-profit school situated in Sweetwater, Florida. It awarded 175 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Universal Career School Report

#19

Polk State College

Winter Haven, Florida
157 Total Awards
$3,366 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,235 Avg Student Debt

Polk State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #19 on the list. Polk State College is a medium-sized public school located in Winter Haven, Florida that handed out 157 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Polk State is $3,366. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,271. Associate Degree recipients from Polk State accumulate an average of $15,235 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Polk State does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 90% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Polk State College

#20

Miami Regional University

Miami Springs, Florida
154 Total Awards
$31,418 Avg Student Debt

Miami Regional University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #20 on the list. Miami Regional University is located in Miami Springs, Florida and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 154 associate degrees to qualified students.

Associate Degree recipients from Miami Regional University accumulate an average of $31,418 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Miami Regional University Report

#20

Gwinnett Institute

Orlando, Florida
154 Total Awards
$33,181 Avg Student Debt

Gwinnett Institute ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Florida list. Gwinnett Institute is a private for-profit institution located in Orlando, Florida. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 154 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,181 in student loans. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Gwinnett Institute Report

145 Total Awards
$3,074 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,884 Avg Student Debt

State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Florida ranking. Bradenton, Florida is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 145 students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Florida pay an average of $3,074 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,595. On average, associate degree students take out $15,884 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota. During the 2019-2020 year, about 90% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota Report

140 Total Awards
$13,688 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,705 Avg Student Debt

Florida National University - Main Campus ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Florida list. Florida National University - Main Campus is a small private for-profit school situated in Hialeah, Florida. It awarded 140 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $13,688 to cover tuition and fees at Florida National University - Main Campus. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,705 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Florida National University - Main Campus. During the 2019-2020 year, about 58% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#24

Indian River State College

Fort Pierce, Florida
135 Total Awards
$2,764 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,642 Avg Student Debt

Indian River State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #24 on the list. Indian River State College is a fairly large public school located in Fort Pierce, Florida that handed out 135 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Indian River State College is $2,764. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,201. Associate Degree recipients from Indian River State College accumulate an average of $12,642 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Indian River State College. In 2019-2020 about 79% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#25

College of Central Florida

Ocala, Florida
117 Total Awards
$2,710 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,883 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, College of Central Florida did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Ocala, Florida, the medium-sized public school awarded 117 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Florida who attend CF full time pay an average of $2,710 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,517. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,883 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at CF. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 92% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on College of Central Florida

View Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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