Community Colleges vs. Universities in Florida

Many Florida rents are for students from all over the country and abroad who want to get an education in this state. Not everyone chooses to live on campus, preferring to rent apartments for greater convenience and independence from the schedules and activities of their institution.
In Florida, young people hesitate about which educational institute to attend, deciding between a community college and a university. Both have their specifics and advantages, and this article is here so you can compare them and make your choice. One of the main differences between the two is the cost, with community colleges typically being more affordable than universities. Another factor to consider is the program offerings and class sizes. Additionally, the decision may also be influenced by the real estate market and access to affordable housing near the chosen educational institute. Consider the overall campus environment and the culture of each institution, as this can greatly impact your overall experience. Additionally, take into account the location of each type of institution – community colleges are often more accessible in terms of being located within residential areas. If you are considering attending a community college, explore active adult communities near the institution to find affordable housing options. This can make a significant difference in your overall quality of life while pursuing your education.
Once you’ve decided on a school in Florida, our experts will be happy to help you find a cozy and comfortable place to live nearby.
Community College vs. University
The State of Florida is rich in academic institutions where you can get a higher education. It invites you to community or state colleges, or you can enter universities or private colleges. Each has unique offers and provides various opportunities, so it’s worth considering all available options before you go there.
The core difference between community colleges and universities lies in the degree you get after graduation. The former typically offer only two-year degrees (undergraduate). At the same time, the latter are more extensive and offer graduate degrees that can later lead to a master’s or Ph.D. one can get after writing a dissertation. (For this, students often seek help from a dissertation writing service – when quality comes first to ensure their work will look professional and worth a high grade.)
Other differences include:
- Career prospects. Community colleges are more career-focused and offer many certification and CTE options, while universities are more diploma-oriented.
- Class sizes. Large classes are more typical for four-year universities, while college classrooms are more intimate.
- Student life. You’ll get the traditional college experience in universities: Greek life, sporting events, and other value-based organizations.
Top 5 Community Colleges in Florida

We asked our friends at EssayHub.com what the five best community colleges in Florida are so you can better understand what these educational institutions are all about.
- Broward College: It’s one of the largest colleges in the state, providing associate degrees, career-focused certificates, and bachelor’s degrees to their first-time students and adult learners. Internships are available, and you can participate in peer mentoring programs. What do they teach? Popular programs include business, STEM, and health sciences.
- Florida Gateway College: It’s among the most affordable community colleges in Florida, with over 60 programs available for students. Moreover, you can customize a program to your needs, take online courses, and get career coaching and services.
- Palm Beach State College: This oldest college in Florida has five campuses and over 100 programs. Here, you can choose unique options like marine service or ophthalmic medical technology.
- Chipola College: It’s a small institution that focuses on an individual approach to every student. Here, you can prepare for transfer to a university or earn a bachelor’s in nursing, business, or education.
- Tallahassee Community College: Popular programs in this college include nursing, management, and engineering. After graduation, you can start a career or easily transfer to Florida State University.
Top 5 Universities in the State of Florida
And now, to universities. According to the best admission writing services from the recent LinkedIn review, the below five are the most popular among aspiring students willing to get an education in Florida.
- Florida State University: Founded in 1851, this public institution has the most popular majors in psychology, finance, and criminal justice. They use a semester-based calendar and offer health insurance, campus safety, and daycare.
- Lynn University: This is a small private institution with a total enrollment of around 3,000. Located in Boca Raton, it offers 20+ undergraduate majors, the most popular of which are management, communications, and law enforcement.
- University of Miami: Located in Southern Florida, this institution is ideal for those who love the outdoors. It’s a research university, with research opportunities starting at the undergraduate level. Spots like South Beach and Everglades National Park nearby make it popular among fans of an active lifestyle.
- University of Central Florida: Based in Orlando, it has campuses throughout the state, including those in Daytona Beach, Ocala, and South Lake. Their popular majors are business, psychology, and health professions.
- University of South Florida: Committed to research and with multiple campuses throughout the state, it offers degrees in business management, biological and biomedical sciences, and more.
Why You Might Want to Start With a Community College

The powerful benefit of a community college vs. a university is saving money. While the former will cost you an average of $3,500 per year, the latter will charge about $10,150. That’s a significant difference and financial impact, especially for those planning to rent in Florida.
Some community colleges are free. You need to check the state’s policy to see if you qualify for this option.
Community colleges also have a more straightforward application process. Most offer open admissions, meaning you don’t need to compete with other applicants and fulfill academic requirements.
Lastly, a community college is an excellent option for those willing to boost their GPA and transfer the credits to a university. You get an articulation agreement that the university of your choice will accept the courses you completed in college.
Over to You
Now that you have a better idea of community colleges vs. universities in Florida, it’s time to compare and see if it’s what you need. Have you decided to move to Florida and get a higher education there? We are here to help you find a cozy apartment and make your student life more comfortable.