Best Colleges in Florida + Full List of Schools

Florida's flagship public university tops the rankings for the best college in the state. The University of Florida boasts a 96.7% retention rate. UF enrolls nearly 56,000 students and awards close to 16,000 degrees each year from its sprawling, historic campus in Gainesville. 

At UF, you can choose from over 300 degree-granting programs and 24 fully online majors through UF Online. Whether you live in one of UF's 26 residence halls or enroll online, you benefit from student services and a large alumni network.

Join over 19,000 students at Florida's top-ranked private university. Founded in 1925, the University of Miami offers over 350 majors and programs. Or design a custom major based on your interests. 

Outside of the classroom, you can join over 270 clubs, participate in student government, or join a fraternity or sorority. The university also encourages students to study abroad. 

The University of Miami promises to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for incoming students. As a result, 73% of first-year students receive financial aid.

Since 1851, college students have traveled to Tallahassee to study. Today, the state's capital is home to Florida State University, one of the best colleges in Florida. It's also an affordable option for Florida residents thanks to a low in-state tuition rate. 

Over 44,000 students attend FSU, which offers over 280 degree-granting programs. The public university's top-ranking programs include statistics, chemistry, psychology, public policy, and creative writing. Undergrads can also contribute to faculty research as part of the school's research opportunity program.

Tampa's public university dates back to 1956. The University of South Florida serves 37,000 undergrads who choose from 180 majors. You can also participate in study abroad programs and research opportunities to enrich your education.

Sunshine and palm trees decorate the Tampa campus beautifully. And for students, campus life includes over 600 clubs and student organizations, plus an arts scene, wellness center, and athletic events. USF also runs campuses in St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, so you can branch out from Tampa.

Florida's largest college is also one of its best. The University of Central Florida enrolls nearly 70,000 students. From its main campus in Orlando, UCF offers over 240 undergraduate and graduate programs. The public university also operates regional locations and multiple online programs. 

More than 18,000 students graduate and join the growing UCF alumni community every year. And 81% of UCF students receive financial aid, which helps nearly 60% of graduates leave campus with no college debt.

Most students don't know that Florida has a public honors college. The New College of Florida fosters curiosity and individuality. With small classes and an individualized curriculum, New College stands out in the state's public college system.

Choose from over 50 majors and participate in student-led research, internships, and other hands-on learning opportunities. Minutes from Gulf Coast beaches and Sarasota's tourist attractions, you can enjoy activities both on and off campus. 

At New College, 90% of students receive scholarships or financial aid. And thanks to the low in-state tuition rate, nearly two-thirds of students graduate with no debt.

Over 56,000 students come to Miami to attend one of the best colleges in Florida. A public university, Florida International University offers online and on-campus degrees. With over 200 options, plus South Florida's only public medical and law schools, FIU has something for everyone.

At FIU, you can kayak through mangroves, visit 36 on-campus restaurants, or tailgate at homecoming. On top of a low tuition rate, you can also gain valuable experience with FIU's numerous paid internship opportunities.

It's one of the largest HBCUs in the country — Florida A&M University dates back to 1887. Today, the public, historically Black university enrolls around 10,000 students on its Tallahassee campus. Thanks to its affordable tuition rate and rich history, FAMU is one of the best colleges in Florida.

You can choose from over 50 majors. Or earn your degree online through FAMU Online, which offers business, nursing, criminal justice, and public health degrees. The online programs also charge low tuition rates. Florida residents can expect to pay $152 per credit for the online RN-to-BSN program.

It's one of the only liberal arts colleges in the country with a mile-long, white-sand beach. The waterfront campus of Eckerd College sits between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. 

The private college's 2,000 students benefit from a small college experience in the Tampa Bay area. 

Choose from over 40 majors, including American studies, biochemistry, and marketing. 

Study abroad, complete an internship, or gain research experience to add valuable skills to your degree. And you might graduate early — 93% of Eckerd undergrads finish their degree in four years or less.

Want hands-on experience? The Florida Institute of Technology promises immersive, experiential learning from your first day. Students in the College of Aeronautics step into the cockpit during their first week of classes, for example. 

Florida Tech admits undergrads directly into their majors. With small class sizes, the programs offer engaging, project-based learning where students can get personalized attention from their professors. In addition to a strong STEM focus, Florida Tech also offers business and liberal arts majors in a diverse, international community. A third of on-campus undergrads are international students.