Best Online Colleges in Florida

Benefits of Studying Online in Florida

Aside from gorgeous beaches and pristine weather, Florida has become a hub for technology, finance and entertainment. With a population of over 21 million, Florida holds the 3rd spot in the nation, falling in right behind California and Texas. Florida also accounts for 6.5% of the national population, making it the most populous state in the south. The average temperature hovers in the balmy 70s degrees and the sunshine state is also home to the everglades (the world's largest tropical wetland) and other national parks and wildlife refuges. And given its location in the sub-tropical zone, academic opportunities abound in terms of marine biology, eco-tourism, etc. On top of this, the capitol resides in the nation's capitol in Taallaassee and the largest city (Jacksonville) provides an abundance of internships and jobs for those looking to enter the workforce.

Employment Stats

In terms of economic health, as of October 2022, Florida had 9,542,500 non-farm employees (the 3rd most of any state), accounting for just 6.22% of the nation’s workforce. Nearly 460,000 new jobs were added since 2021, when the total tallied 9,085,100. This increase of 5.03% makes Florida the 2nd fastest growing state from the standpoint of jobs added year over year. So not only is Florida the most populous state in the south, it also sits well above the median state with 7.6 million more employed individuals (a difference of nearly 383%).

Predictably, Florida just beat out its 3rd largest competitor New York, which recorded just 8 more employed persons in 2022 (9,534 to be precise). That being said, Florida fell well short of the nation leader (Texas), which shouldn't come as a surprise given that Florida accounts for just 6.5% of the nation's population. Also, of the 2 states with a higher ranking than Florida, Texas just edged out Florida for #2, recording a total employed workforce of 13,630,000 at the end of 2022, that's 4.1 million more than Florida (an advantage of 30%).

Job Opportunities

In addition to quantity, the quality of jobs in Florida is also very high. The state has the 3rd highest job type number with 797 in total, giving it 10.4% more unique occupation types compared to the median of 722. For example, the state offers a number of jobs in agriculture, aerospace engineering, hospitality and medical research.

So if you’re looking for the opportunity to experience a variety of high-level jobs and job seekers should take into account the advantages of the state. In this case, the advantage would be a combination of the state’s number of unique job types and quantity.

Florida is also home to a number of contemporary universities and academic institutions, many of which are recognized nationally. The University of Florida boasts a yearly enrollment of around 50,000 students, while the University of Miami has one of the highest acceptance rates among universities of its caliber. Florida State University and the University of Central Florida offer a great combination of quality and affordability, and together the schools are within reach of almost any budget.

Overall, the data points to Florida as an excellent place to consider for studying, as its economy is booming and employment opportunities will continue to grow in the foreseeable future. The combination of a large population of employed individuals, the marine and coastal geography, and the abundant sunshine provides students with a broad array of both educational and recreational outlets. Not to mention the job market is world-class and opportunities are available in a wide range of industries, including finance, aerospace, engineering, agriculture and technology. With so much to offer, Florida has solidified its place as one of the top spots in the U.S. to consider attending school and jumpstart a career.

*All data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023)