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Best Colleges & Universities in Florida
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To identify the Best Colleges in Florida for 2021 we averaged the latest results from the most respected college ranking systems with thousands of real student review scores from around the web to produce a unique College Consensus rating for each school. You won’t find a more comprehensive ranking of the top colleges and universities in Florida anywhere. Read more about our rankings methodology and sources at our about page.
For Florida college financial aid information see our list of the Top Florida Scholarships. If you’re interested in online learning, be sure to check out our ranking of the top online colleges in Florida.
Recommended Accredited Online Colleges & Universities
The University of Florida needs little introduction and is one of the best colleges in Florida. From its earliest stages in 1858 until finally settling and calling Gainesville home, this highly recognized program has always strived to be one of the best schools in Florida.
Florida State University is another highly acclaimed institution on the list of the best colleges in Florida. This Tallahassee school was founded in 1851 and today is not only one of the best schools in Florida but in the country too.
Arguably the most well-known school in the state and one of the best schools in Florida, the University of Miami was chartered in 1925 in Coral Gables and its first class had 646 students in 1926! Today, as one of the best colleges in Florida, much has changed since then, and don’t be surprised to find a ‘Cane or two leading the way.
A big school with a small school feel and one of the best colleges in Florida, the University of Central Florida has proven that it doesn’t take long to do great things. Since 1963, this educational institution in Orlando has made an impact and is worthy of being deemed one of the best schools in Florida.
Origins of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University date back to 1926 making it not only one of the most trusted aviation and aeronautics programs, but also one of the best colleges in Florida. For future pilots, this Daytona Beach program flies high on the radar for many and is one of the best schools in Florida.
Another institution that has made a quick impact since its inception in 1967 and also one of the best colleges in Florida, the University of West Florida is only growing and getting better. Not only did this University fill an educational void in the state at the time UWF has become one of the best schools in Florida too.
Founded in 1956 the University of South Florida is another comparably “young” program on the university curve and also one of the best colleges in Florida. As one of the best schools in Florida, this Tampa-based college can also boast of already being a world-renown research university.
Students looking for a small school with big opportunities should consider this Winter Park college one of the best schools in Florida. Since the late 1800s, Rollins College has been educating students and affirming its place as one of the best colleges in Florida.
From its record-setting opening day admissions in 1972, Florida International University was destined to be one of the best colleges in Florida. Today, as one of the best schools in Florida, FIU can say – mission accomplished.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University rounds out the list of the best colleges in Florida. With roots dating back to 1887, FAMU continues to lead, teach, and maintains its role as one of the best schools in Florida.
When you are looking for the best colleges in Florida for your degree, you may want to evaluate the state’s information when it comes to higher education. In particular, you will want to consider the amount of diversity in the schools, the number of students who attend college, and the economic factors involved in obtaining a degree.
How Many Students Obtain a Degree in Florida?
The state of Florida has a high rate of students who attend college. When you want to attend the top colleges in Florida, you will have a reasonable amount of competition. Roughly 65 percent of high school graduates in Florida attend college at the undergraduate level.
The best Florida colleges have a high rate of interest among students. You will want to clarify the top Florida colleges that fit your personal goals for education and offer the major you want to study when you are attending college. Keep a few of the best universities in Florida in mind to ensure that you are able to attend a college that fits your personal goals.
How Diverse are Florida Colleges?
Diversity is an important part of providing students with a broad perspective on topics and areas of study. You want to attend a college that has a reasonable level of diversity to ensure that you are able to communicate and talk to people from different backgrounds and experiences.
The top universities in Florida do have higher rates of diversity when compared to the national average. The state’s diversity rating is relatively high when compared to other states. When it comes to racial diversity in many Florida colleges, the state is similar to the national average when it comes to diversity. Different racial groups are often represented at rates that are similar to the general population, which makes it one of the best states for racially diverse colleges.
The best Florida universities have similar rates of male and female students, with a slightly higher female student population when compared to the male student population in many colleges. Gender diversity depends on the college or university; however, many colleges and universities in the state do have a slightly higher female population.
You should keep in mind that diversity in colleges and universities may vary based on the specific school. You will want to evaluate the details of the school you plan to attend to clarify if the school fits your personal goals for your education and has the level of diversity you expect when attending college.
How Does College Education Impact the Florida Economy?
Although roughly 88 percent of the population completes a high school degree and a large percentage of the population does start out in college, only about 29.2 percent of the state’s population complete a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Students who attend the top Florida universities can expect to earn more when compared to individuals who do not complete a degree or who never attend college. The rate of students who complete a college degree does have a positive impact on the state’s economy. The state does have a high rate of economic growth due to the high rate of businesses established in the state. A large number of firms and companies offer employment to college graduates throughout the state. The state also has a high rate of female-owned businesses, though the number of male-owned businesses is still higher when compared to the number of female-owned businesses.
A college education from the top Florida universities allows students to focus on their personal career goals. By attending one of the top universities, students can make an impression on potential employers or consider starting their own business in the state. The state does offer a variety of advantages to students who complete a degree and move into a professional position or a specialized field.
Top Community Colleges in Florida
Forget what you thought you knew about community college. Gone are the days where 
these higher education institutions came with a stigma attached; today’s schools are breaking even with traditional universities in terms of education and opportunity. And they’re doing it all without costing their students an arm and a leg.
Sound too good to be true? It’s not: quality education doesn’t have to be inaccessible or inconvenient. And Florida definitely knows a thing or two about accessible quality education. We searched the best community colleges in Florida to find out which had the best academic programs, extracurriculars, faculty, and tuition rates in the state. Here are the ten that made our list.
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | St.Petersburg College | St.Petersburg/FL |
| 2 | Valencia College | Orlando/FL |
| 3 | Broward Community College | Fort Lauderdale/FL |
| 4 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville/FL |
| 5 | Miami Dade College | Miami/FL |
| 6 | Indian River State College | Fort Pierce/FL |
| 7 | Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth/FL |
| 8 | Tallahassee Community College | Tallahassee/FL |
| 9 | Eastern Florida State College | Melbourne/FL |
| 10 | North Florida Community College | Madison/FL |
10. North Florida Community College
At North Florida Community College, it’s all about you. Literally, an individualized and supportive atmosphere is explicitly stated in their mission statement. First-time college students are required to meet with their advisor to figure out a path that’s right for them, which makes the registration process seem a little less daunting. And since NFCC is part of the 2 + 2 articulation agreement, students that have completed an A.A. degree at the college can transfer to any of Florida’s state schools to further their education.
North Florida Community College also has strong ties to its community as evidenced by its Artist Series, which brings art and arts events to the Madison public, or the Ladell Brothers Outdoor Environmental Center, an environmental study area which doubles as a natural habitat available to guests free of charge. It’s not just the academics, but rather the holistic approach to learning that makes NFCC stand out.
9. Eastern Florida State College
People looking to truly make their college experience unique can apply to the competitive Honors Program and even transfer into UCF’s Honors College after completing an A.A. degree. The Eastern Florida State College experience goes beyond the classroom with workshops and seminars, one of which features entrepreneur Chris Gilpin, who won an investment on a little show called Shark Tank (ever heard of it?).
In addition to eLearning online classes, Eastern Florida State has four campuses across Brevard County. Convenient, easy to access education is right at your fingertips.
8. Tallahassee Community College
With over 90 programs and 600 courses offered to a student body representing more than 80 countries worldwide, it’s understandable that Tallahassee Community College may seem overwhelming at first. But according to Al Moran, VP for Marketing and Communications, ensuring that each student gets the attention needed to succeed is at the core of the school’s philosophy. “Students are not statistics here; they are part of our TCC community even after graduation,” says Moran.
This TCC community is an extremely well-equipped one: its Career Center Advisory Board has local employers giving invaluable insight to job-seekers, and the unique Learning Commons is a one-stop shop resource for students that goes past a typical library to include tutoring, tech support, and a myriad of workshops and seminars. “We recognize that every student has different needs and interests, and we strive to cater to what our students and our community need,” continues Moran. “Since 1966, Tallahassee Community College has offered high-quality, post-secondary education. We have made it our mission to provide affordable and accessible education for all types of students, whether they’re transferring to a university or heading straight into the workforce.”
7. Palm Beach State College
The college’s unique First Year Experience program is just one example of the way Palm Beach State goes above and beyond in fostering community driven success. Forego the traditional first-year traumatic experiences like getting lost on your way to class or realizing halfway through the semester that you’re enrolled in the wrong classes for your major, you’ll be prepared for anything the second you step on campus with step-by-step guides to campus life and academic advising sessions as part of the First Year Experience.
The FYE also comes with a Passport to Success, otherwise known as the guide to your first year. It has activities for students to cross off in order to get “stamped”, which provides a much more interactive way to learn about the school than a general information session. And remember that low tuition rate? Yeah, it’s one of the lowest in the state of Florida and the 15 th lowest in the nation among four year public schools.
6. Indian River State College
Let’s be real: there’s only so much you’re going to learn trapped in a classroom for hours. Indian River State College students get much more out of their education than simply memorizing notes, from experiencing the world through study abroad trips to flexing leadership skills in the campus coalition government to expanding their academics via any of the numerous honor societies. “Applied learning is very important at IRSC, where students gain real-world experience,” says Michelle Abaldo, who works in public relations at IRSC. “For example, the college partners with over 90 health care facilities for internship opportunities.
With education options ranging from GED preparation in high school to the Fielden Institute of Lifelong Learning for adults over 50, it’s no surprise that IRSC is recognized as an Achieving the Dream Leader College.
5. Miami Dade College
With over 300 (yep, you read that right) programs offered and a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, it’s no surprise that Miami Dade College has the largest undergraduate enrollment of any college in the country.
4. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Diversity is the name of the game at Florida State College at Jacksonville, where students come from over 146 different countries to form a school that was named one of the top ten for degrees awarded to minority students by Community College Week. “Our diverse student body closely mirrors the diversity found in Northeast Florida,” says Jill Johnson, Director of Marketing and Communications. “Our programs attract students from around the world and these students contribute to the rich diversity of the FSCJ collegiate experience.”
Florida State College at Jacksonville also boasts a diverse curriculum, including over 100 programs and student activities ranging from multiple art galleries to intercollegiate athletics to a unique student ambassador program that helps with recruitment and retention at the college. With the help of an award-winning faculty, which includes 2012 Association of Florida Colleges Professor of the Year Jerry Shawver, students are prepared to tackle to real-world in and beyond the classroom using the tools provided by the College. “Career Coach contains all of FSCJ’s programs and connects them to local, accurate and up-to-date information for more than 900 careers, all in an FSCJ-branded environment,” says Johnson. With the tools and experience provided, FSCJ students are equipped for post-grad success.
3. Broward College
Any school that has its own museum exhibits knows what it’s doing. Broward students can choose from any of the over 100 degrees available and apply to the competitive Honors College, which includes an Honor Student Committee and an Honors Colloquium, where honors students present their research to their peers and faculty.
In terms of student activities, Broward does not disappoint. The leadership opportunities range from representing the student body in student government to representing the entire school as student ambassadors. Broward faculty-led study abroad programs run from one to three weeks and give students a chance to truly experience an international education.
2. Valencia College
Known for consistently winning various academic accolades, the inaugural winner of the 2011 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence is a model for higher education. Prospective students can choose any of Valencia College’s 60 programs of study, and receive guaranteed admission to UCF with an associate degree from the college.
One such tradition is the fall festival known as Spirit Day- the biggest student event on campus that features music, food, games, and contests. Going beyond a thriving and diverse student life, Valencia’s Associate in Science graduates have a 96 percent placement rate, only proving that you don’t need to spend the equivalent of a house mortgage for effective higher education.
1. St. Petersburg College
As the first two-year college in Florida, St. Petersburg College definitely knows a thing or two about a successful community college program. Boasting a placement rate of over 90% for its graduates, St. Petersburg focuses on providing its students with the necessary tools to get real-world success. With certified career and academic advisors at the ready, St. Petersburg graduates will have had access to the nationally recognized Career and Academic Pathways connecting students’ educational journeys with their intended career outcomes through tools like industry certifications and internships.
“SPC’s career-focused curriculum is created with input from industry experts to give you the skills students need to meet the needs of today’s employers,” says Public Relations Specialist Marilyn Shaw. “With tuition at about half the cost of state universities, students spend less to earn more.”
With over 100 academic programs and more than 20 bachelor’s degrees, students have their pick of courses taught by a carefully selected faculty (139 of whom hold doctoral degrees). In addition to the regularly scheduled academic programming, undergrads can take advantage of SPC’s Honors Program and join the ranks of more than 500 students in the program, 50 percent of whom have a 3.75 or higher GPA.
SPC makes sure to round out the student experience with the Center for Civic Learning and Community Engagement, which emphasizes civic life through service learning and volunteering. And since St. Petersburg College alumni rank first in the state of Florida in terms of the most valuable job skills, this approach is clearly one that works.
2021 Best Colleges in Florida
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This guide highlights the 10 best colleges in Florida, and it can help you find a fulfilling career in the Sunshine State. We rank these schools based on factors like affordability, number of degree offerings, and student outcomes.
What Are the 2021 Best Colleges in Florida? Here Are Our Top 10:
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| #1 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL |
| #2 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FL |
| #3 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FL |
| #4 | University of Miami Coral Gables, FL |
| #5 | University of South Florida-Main Campus Tampa, FL |
| #6 | Carlos Albizu University-Miami Miami, FL |
| #7 | Florida International University Miami, FL |
| #8 | University of North Florida Jacksonville, FL |
| #9 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL |
| #10 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL |
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
Why Study in Florida?
Home to 825 miles of beaches and some of the best college athletic programs and research universities in the United States, Florida is a great place to play, learn, and grow.
Home to 825 miles of beaches and some of the best college athletic programs and research universities in the United States, Florida is a great place to play, learn, and grow.
The University of Florida — the state’s flagship public higher education institution — maintains over 200 research centers and delivers more than 300 academic programs across 16 colleges. These degree options include popular online tracks in health education, urban and regional planning, and international business.
Students who want a more specialized education can attend a private institution like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which offers degrees like aerospace engineering, space physics, and meteorology.
Additionally, it’s hard to talk about the best colleges in Florida without mentioning football. The University of Miami Hurricanes and the University of Florida Gators are two of the best NCAA teams, collectively winning eight national championships and drawing capacity crowds at every home game.
Lastly, Florida boasts a robust economy due in large part to its worldwide reputation as a vacation hotspot. With ports facing both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the state is also a hub for international commerce.
Top Degree Programs in Florida
Florida Employment Outlook
Students who want to prioritize employability in Florida should consider a career in one of the state’s top industries, which include manufacturing, healthcare, IT (particularly video game and mobile application development), and private and homeland security. Aerospace technology is another huge industry in Florida, which houses two of the nine active U.S. spaceports and approximately 2,000 aviation and flight-related companies.
Popular Career Paths in Florida
2021 Best Accredited Colleges in Florida
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University of Florida View School Profile Gainesville, FL
The university’s 16 colleges oversee more than 100 undergraduate degree programs and 200 graduate degree programs. UF also offers more than 200 fully online degree and certificate pathways, making it one of the most accessible and best colleges in Florida. Notable undergraduate majors include African languages, entomology and nematology, and nuclear engineering.
First-year applicants must answer short questions and submit transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and an essay. Graduate admission requirements vary by program.
Florida State University View School Profile Tallahassee, FL
Based in Tallahassee, FSU opened in 1851. The university currently teaches over 41,000 students annually across its three campuses and through online programs.
One of the top colleges in Florida, FSU consists of 18 schools and colleges, including the College of Motion Picture Arts, the Dedman College of Hospitality, and the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. Notable undergraduate majors include computational biology, Chinese language and culture, meteorology, and oceanography.
University of Central Florida View School Profile Orlando, FL
Operating out of Orlando and founded in 1963, UCF reports that almost 20% of its undergraduates are first-generation students. The institution awards more than 17,000 degrees each year.
UCF offers more than 230 degree options, including 100 programs that can be completed entirely online. Notable degrees include a bachelor of fine arts in emerging media, a bachelor of science in photonic science and engineering, a master of science in real estate, and a doctor of philosophy in hospitality management.
First-year applicants must submit transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. UCF also strongly recommends that aspiring students submit an essay.
University of Miami View School Profile Coral Gables, FL
UM offers more than 180 degree programs across 11 colleges and schools, including the Frost School of Music, the Miller School of Medicine, and the Miami Herbert Business School. UM also offers nine fully online graduate programs.
First-year applicants must submit a short essay, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Some programs require supplemental application materials.
University of South Florida-Main Campus View School Profile Tampa, FL
A public institution located in Tampa, USF opened its doors in 1956. Despite teaching more than 48,000 learners annually, the average class size at USF is about 30 students.
USF offers roughly 180 degree programs across 14 colleges, including the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, the Patel College of Global Sustainability, and the College of Marine Science. Notable undergraduate degree programs include a bachelor of science in industrial engineering; a bachelor of arts in language, speech, and hearing science; and a doctorate in cancer chemical biology.
First-year applicants must submit transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Requirements for graduate programs vary widely.
Carlos Albizu University-Miami View School Profile Miami, FL
A private institution located in Miami, AU traces its roots to the 1966 opening of the Puerto Rico Institute of Psychology. The university also hosts a virtual campus, as well as campuses in Mayaguez and San Juan in Puerto Rico.
AU’s academic programs fall under five categories: psychology, education, speech and language, criminal justice, and human services. Notable degree offerings include a master of science in counseling psychology, a doctor of philosophy in human services, and a bachelor of arts in exceptional student education with a minor in autism spectrum disorder.
Admission requirements vary by program. However, applicants should expect to submit transcripts and a letter of recommendation, at minimum.
Florida International University View School Profile Miami, FL
Miami’s only public research university, FIU teaches around 54,000 students each year across 11 schools and colleges. The university also carries out impactful research and community outreach through its more than 40 centers and institutes, including the Center for the Administration of Justice and the High Performance Database Research Center.
FIU offers over 270 degrees, including 130 that are available as fully online programs. Notable undergraduate degrees include a bachelor of science in crime science, a bachelor of science in exceptional student education, a bachelor of arts in global sustainable tourism, and a bachelor of science in the Internet of Things.
First-year applicants must submit transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.
University of North Florida View School Profile Jacksonville, FL
Located in Jacksonville, UNF teaches over 17,000 students each year, most of whom take classes through the College of Arts and Sciences.
Florida Atlantic University View School Profile Boca Raton, FL
A public institution located in Boca Raton, FAU opened in 1964 and currently teaches over 30,000 students each year.
FAU offers more than 170 degree programs across 10 schools and colleges, including the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, and the College of Business. Notable degree programs include a bachelor of science in geomatics engineering, a bachelor of arts in British history, and a bachelor of science in ocean engineering.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach View School Profile Daytona Beach, FL
A private school located in Daytona Beach, Embry-Riddle has conferred more than 137,000 degrees since it was founded in 1925.
Embry-Riddle offers about 130 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates, and students can earn about 70 degrees or certificates online. Notable areas of study include aeronautics, aerospace physiology, and air traffic management.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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