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Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Florida

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2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Florida

34 Schools Ranked
$7,482 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$18,323 Avg Student Debt

Today's trade school students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Trade College Search has developed this Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Florida ranking. This report analyzed 34 schools in Florida to see which ones offered the best associate degree programs for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Associate Degree Schools in Florida

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

2,014 Total Awards
$13,842 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,089 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Rasmussen University - Florida to be the best school for trade school 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 2,014 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Rasmussen University - Florida, expect to pay an average of $13,842 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $21,089 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Rasmussen University - Florida 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 2020-2021 year, about 93% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Florida

#2

Hodges University

Fort Myers, Florida
44 Total Awards
$15,500 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,548 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Hodges University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in Florida. Hodges University is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Fort Myers, Florida that handed out 44 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

International College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $15,500. 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 $16,548 in student loans.

Online courses are available at International College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 91% took at least some of their classes online.

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3,920 Total Awards
$2,506 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,096 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 34 schools in Florida that were part of this year’s ranking, Hillsborough Community College landed the # 3 spot on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Tampa, Florida, and it awarded 3,920 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at HCC is $2,506. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,111. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,096 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at HCC. During the 2020-2021 year, about 78% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Hillsborough Community College

#4

Valencia College

Orlando, Florida
8,600 Total Awards
$2,474 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,788 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 34 schools in Florida that were part of this year’s ranking, Valencia College landed the # 4 spot on the list. Valencia College is a large public school located in Orlando, Florida that handed out 8,600 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Florida pay an average of $2,474 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Valencia College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,383. On average, associate degree students take out $14,788 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Valencia College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 84% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Valencia College Report

#5

Miami Dade College

Miami, Florida
10,398 Total Awards
$2,838 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,654 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 34 schools in Florida that were part of this year’s ranking, Miami Dade College landed the # 5 spot on the list. MDC is located in Miami, Florida and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 10,398 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $2,838 in tuition and fees if they attend MDC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,661. On average, associate degree students take out $13,654 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at MDC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 82% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#6

Florida SouthWestern State College

Fort Myers, Florida
2,240 Total Awards
$3,401 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,150 Avg Student Debt

Florida SouthWestern State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #6 on the list. FSW is located in Fort Myers, Florida and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,240 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at FSW is $3,401. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,979. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,150 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at FSW. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 63% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Florida SouthWestern State College

#7

Santa Fe College

Gainesville, Florida
2,487 Total Awards
$2,563 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,615 Avg Student Debt

Santa Fe College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #7 on the list. Santa Fe College is located in Gainesville, Florida and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,487 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $2,563 in tuition and fees if they attend Santa Fe College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,189. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,615 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Santa Fe College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 55% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Santa Fe College

#8

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, Florida
36 Total Awards
$43,670 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,409 Avg Student Debt

Florida Institute of Technology came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Florida ranking. Florida Tech is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Melbourne, Florida. It awarded 36 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Florida Tech is $43,670. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $23,409 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Florida Tech does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 2% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#9

Polk State College

Winter Haven, Florida
1,605 Total Awards
$3,366 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,473 Avg Student Debt

Polk State College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Polk State is located in Winter Haven, Florida and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,605 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from Florida who attend Polk State full time pay an average of $3,366 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,271. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,473 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Polk State. In 2020-2021 about 79% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Polk State College

#10

Florida Gateway College

Lake City, Florida
469 Total Awards
$3,100 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,865 Avg Student Debt

Florida Gateway College ranked #10 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Florida list. Lake City, Florida is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 469 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Florida pay an average of $3,100 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend FGC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,747. On average, associate degree students take out $8,865 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at FGC. In 2020-2021 about 71% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#11

Broward College

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
6,046 Total Awards
$2,830 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,156 Avg Student Debt

Broward College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. BC is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 6,046 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Florida pay an average of $2,830 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend BC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,952. On average, associate degree students take out $9,156 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at BC. During the 2020-2021 year, about 67% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Broward College Report

#12

Palm Beach State College

Lake Worth, Florida
4,046 Total Awards
$3,050 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,892 Avg Student Debt

Palm Beach State College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. This large public school is located in Lake Worth, Florida, and it awarded 4,046 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Florida pay an average of $3,050 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Palm Beach State College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,910. Associate Degree recipients from Palm Beach State College accumulate an average of $10,892 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Palm Beach State College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 77% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Palm Beach State College

1,631 Total Awards
$3,074 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,602 Avg Student Debt

State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota ranked #13 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Florida list. State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota is a medium-sized public school situated in Bradenton, Florida. It awarded 1,631 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota is $3,074. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,595. On average, associate degree students take out $11,602 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota, 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, 72% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota Report

#14

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida
3,210 Total Awards
$2,657 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,098 Avg Student Debt

Florida State College at Jacksonville ranked #14 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Florida list. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, the large public school handed out 3,210 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Students from Florida who attend FSCJ full time pay an average of $2,657 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,631. Associate Degree recipients from FSCJ accumulate an average of $16,098 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

FSCJ 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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 78% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Florida State College at Jacksonville Report

#15

Eastern Florida State College

Melbourne, Florida
2,632 Total Awards
$2,791 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,784 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Florida State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #15 on the list. Melbourne, Florida is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 2,632 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $2,791 in tuition and fees if they attend EFSC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,976. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,784 in student loans.

EFSC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 66% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#16

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
3,134 Total Awards
$23,248 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,865 Avg Student Debt

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #16 on the list. Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that handed out 3,134 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $23,248 to cover tuition and fees at Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale. 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 $22,865 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 48% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale

#17

St Petersburg College

St. Petersburg, Florida
3,899 Total Awards
$2,682 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,937 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, St Petersburg College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. St Petersburg College is a large public school located in St. Petersburg, Florida that handed out 3,899 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

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. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,937 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since SPC does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 76% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#18

City College - Altamonte Springs

Altamonte Springs, Florida
30 Total Awards
$18,615 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,233 Avg Student Debt

City College - Altamonte Springs landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Located in Altamonte Springs, Florida, the very small private for-profit school handed out 30 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend City College - Altamonte Springs, expect to pay an average of $18,615 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could 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 $23,233 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, City College - Altamonte Springs is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Read full report on City College - Altamonte Springs

#19

Saint Johns River State College

Palatka, Florida
941 Total Awards
$2,830 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,519 Avg Student Debt

Saint Johns River State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #19 on the list. St. Johns River Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Palatka, Florida. It awarded 941 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Florida who attend St. Johns River Community College full time pay an average of $2,830 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,347. Associate Degree recipients from St. Johns River Community College accumulate an average of $16,519 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that St. Johns River Community College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 62% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Saint Johns River State College Report

#20

Gulf Coast State College

Panama City, Florida
616 Total Awards
$2,370 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,951 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Gulf Coast State College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. This small public school is located in Panama City, Florida, and it awarded 616 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Florida who attend GCSC full time pay an average of $2,370 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,635. Associate Degree recipients from GCSC accumulate an average of $10,951 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since GCSC does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 57% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Gulf Coast State College Report

#21

Tallahassee Community College

Tallahassee, Florida
2,516 Total Awards
$2,026 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,185 Avg Student Debt

Tallahassee Community College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Florida list. Tallahassee Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Tallahassee, Florida. It awarded 2,516 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $2,026 in tuition and fees if they attend Tallahassee Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,062. Associate Degree recipients from Tallahassee Community College accumulate an average of $16,185 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Tallahassee Community College. In fact, around 86% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Tallahassee Community College Report

2,593 Total Awards
$3,131 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,581 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Seminole State College of Florida did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Sanford, Florida, the fairly large public school handed out 2,593 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $3,131 in tuition and fees if they attend Seminole State full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,456. Associate Degree recipients from Seminole State accumulate an average of $15,581 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

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, 73% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Seminole State College of Florida Report

#23

Daytona State College

Daytona Beach, Florida
1,973 Total Awards
$3,106 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,278 Avg Student Debt

Daytona State College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Daytona State College is a public institution located in Daytona Beach, Florida. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,973 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Florida who attend Daytona State College full time pay an average of $3,106 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,994. On average, associate degree students take out $13,278 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Daytona State College, 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, 65% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Daytona State College Report

#24

City College - Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
37 Total Awards
$18,615 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,295 Avg Student Debt

City College - Fort Lauderdale came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Florida ranking. City College - Fort Lauderdale is a very small private for-profit school situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It awarded 37 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $18,615 to cover tuition and fees at City College - Fort Lauderdale. 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 $26,295 in student loans.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out City College - Fort Lauderdale. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full City College - Fort Lauderdale Report

#25

Indian River State College

Fort Pierce, Florida
2,279 Total Awards
$2,764 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,917 Avg Student Debt

Indian River State College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. This fairly large public school is located in Fort Pierce, Florida, and it awarded 2,279 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Indian River State College is $2,764. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,201. Associate Degree recipients from Indian River State College accumulate an average of $8,917 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Indian River State College. In 2020-2021 about 66% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

View Best Trade Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • 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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