Best Colleges in Florida 2026
From world-class research universities to charming liberal arts colleges, Florida offers an incredible range of educational experiences for college-bound students. Whether you’re looking for STEM innovation, faith-based values, a vibrant campus life, or warm weather year-round, the Sunshine State has it all.
At Colleges of Distinction, we recognize institutions that go beyond rankings and test scores to put students first. Our 2026 list of the Best Colleges in Florida includes public powerhouses like University of Florida and Florida State University, historic HBCUs like FAMU, private universities such as Rollins College and University of Miami, and student-centered institutions across the state.
Each school on this list meets our Four Distinctions—Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Communities, and Successful Outcomes—ensuring that students receive a well-rounded, enriching undergraduate experience.
Flagler College
St. Augustine, FL ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
At Flagler College, a degree is just the beginning of a lifetime of learning, growing, and discovering.
Located within the beautiful, historic city of St. Augustine, Flagler College exudes all the charm and wonder that has attracted generations of explorers and entrepreneurs to the Florida coast. Its forward-thinking curriculum is inspired by Henry M. Flagler himself, a remarkable innovator known for the many hotels he built to make the Florida coast the vacation destination it is today.
Flagler College is full of culture, and its students and faculty are bursting with curiosity. Its curriculum challenges critical-thinking skills and prepares students to take on the world as confident leaders.
Acceptance rate 78% • Net price $31,085 • SAT Range 990-1200
Total Undergrad Population 2,432 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 56% • Retention rate 68% • Student-to-faculty ratio 16:1
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public, historically Black university located in Tallahassee, Florida. What distinguishes FAMU from other universities is its legacy of providing access to a high-quality, affordable education with programs and services that guide students toward successfully achieving their dreams. FAMU is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
In addition to the main Tallahassee campus, FAMU has several satellite campuses across Florida. These include the College of Law in Orlando and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, which has sites in Crestview, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.
Acceptance rate 21% • Net price $15,491 • SAT Range 1030-1150
Total Undergrad Population 7,796 • Setting City: Midsize • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 52% • Retention rate 86% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Florida Gulf Coast University, a comprehensive institution of higher education, offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs of strategic importance to Southwest Florida and beyond. FGCU seeks academic excellence in the development of selected programs and centers of distinction in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines; health professions; business; and marine and environmental sciences.
Florida Gulf Coast University’s comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs prepare students to excel and innovate. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff are actively engaged and environmentally conscious citizens. They serve their communities and inspire others by leading, doing, and making a difference.
Acceptance rate 77% • Net price $10,548 • SAT Range 1040-1210
Total Undergrad Population 14,227 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 56% • Retention rate 83% • Student-to-faculty ratio 21:1
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Founded in 1958—the same year as NASA and in the same county as Kennedy Space Center—Florida Tech has always been a university for students who shoot for the stars. In fact, Florida Tech started as a night school for early space program workers, providing the advanced education they needed in order to win the space race.
Today, Florida Tech is a comprehensive national research university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in aeronautics and aviation, business, engineering, computing, science and mathematics, psychology, communication, and the humanities.
With its dive-in, buckle-up, hands-on approach to education, Florida Tech is a top choice for students interested in innovation, hard work, and lofty goals. Annually, students from more than 100 countries worldwide choose Florida Tech.
Acceptance rate 63% • Net price $36,364 • SAT Range 1130-1320
Total Undergrad Population 3,458 • Setting City: Small • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 65% • Retention rate 77% • Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1
Florida Southern College
Lakeland, FL ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Florida Southern is nationally recognized for excellence in experiential education and the opportunity for students to study abroad, participate in professional internships, and graduate in four years. Offering more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the College enrolls 3,000 students from 50 states and 50 countries. Florida Southern’s 113-acre, lakeside campus is ideally located directly between Tampa and Orlando in Lakeland, Florida—named one of the best places to live and fastest growing metropolitan areas.
Acceptance rate 59% • Net price $30,462 • SAT Range 1170-1310
Total Undergrad Population 2,626 • Setting City: Midsize • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 69% • Retention rate 78% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL, ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Florida State University is a public research university in Tallahassee, Florida and a senior member of the State University System of Florida. Founded in 1851, it is on the oldest continuous site of higher education in the state of Florida. Florida State University, known for its breakthrough in the anti-cancer drug Taxol, hosts the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, accredited by SACS. Florida State University, designated as “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity”, invested $350.4 million in research and development in 2020, ranking 75th nationally. With an annual budget surpassing $2.17 billion, it generates an economic impact of $14 billion annually.
Acceptance rate 25% • Net price $14,903 • SAT Range 1240-1390
Total Undergrad Population 32,217 • Setting City: Midsize • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 83% • Retention rate 96% • Student-to-faculty ratio 17:1
Rollins College
Winter Park, FL ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Rollins’ extraordinary undergraduate and graduate degree programs feature small classes taught by renowned faculty. The academic experience is enhanced by study abroad and internship opportunities as well as ways to participate in student organizations and the local community. Bordering Lake Virginia, Rollins has a lush, 70-acre campus located in Winter Park in the heart of Central Florida.
SUSTAINABILITY
Rollins has been a leader in environmental education and sustainable business practices for more than 20 years. Sustainability-focused academics, initiatives, and student-led programs have become ingrained in nearly every facet of life at Rollins.
Acceptance rate 41% • Net price $37,134 • SAT Range 1210-1360
Total Undergrad Population 2,595 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 77% • Retention rate 85% • Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year
Choosing the right college isn’t just about getting an education. It’s about finding a place that provides the support for a successful career and a lifetime of service to others.
Southeastern University gives students the foundation they need to succeed in life, not just at work. SEU has more than 80 degree programs to choose from as well as a thriving community that inspires deep, personal, and meaningful relationships.
SCHOOL LOCATION
One of the many things students love about SEU is its Central Florida location in the city of Lakeland. It’s a prime place to study and love life, surrounding the community with palm trees and abundant sunshine—even when the rest of the country still has winter weather! Lakeland has just the right balance of hometown connectivity and city-based excitement.
Acceptance rate 74% • Net price $27,935
Total Undergrad Population 9,167 • Setting City: Midsize • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 49% • Retention rate 72% • Student-to-faculty ratio 26:1
St. Thomas University
Miami Gardens, FL ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
At St. Thomas University (STU), students are immersed in an educational environment shaped by Catholic values, global perspectives, and a deep commitment to community impact. STU empowers undergraduate learners to grow as ethical leaders ready to meet the demands of a changing world with integrity, resilience, and purpose.
St. Thomas University is a private Catholic university located in Miami, Florida that is proud to offer students the opportunity to become limitless. With a culturally and internationally diverse campus community, STU is dedicated to the academic and professional success of its students. Students are inspired and enabled to become ethical leaders in the global community and in their professional and personal lives.
Acceptance rate 99% • Net price $27,029
Total Undergrad Population 3,967 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 43% • Retention rate 55% • Student-to-faculty ratio 17:1
Stetson University
DeLand, FL ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Named one of the best colleges in America, Stetson combines academic excellence in more than 100 areas of study with hands-on learning through research, study abroad and internships. Students thrive in small classes and work closely with first-rate faculty to reach their full potential in rewarding careers and successful lives. Discover the transformative power of a Stetson education and the beauty of this historic, private institution, located close to beaches and theme parks in sunny Central Florida.
Acceptance rate 86% • Net price $22,914 • SAT Range 1090-1290
Total Undergrad Population 2,338 • Setting City: Small • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 63% • Retention rate 73% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Nestled in the vibrant city of Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida (UF) is a leading public research university with a storied history dating back to 1853. Offering a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as engineering, business, arts and sciences, education, and law, UF is committed to academic excellence and innovative research that addresses the most pressing challenges of our time.
With a student body of over 56,000 individuals from all corners of the world, UF is a community of trailblazers, changemakers, and leaders who are united by a passion for discovery and a commitment to making a difference in the world. Experience the energy and excitement of UF’s campus and discover what makes it one of the top public universities in the country.
Acceptance rate 24% • Net price $11,521 • SAT Range 1300-1480
Total Undergrad Population 34,924 • Setting City: Midsize • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 91% • Retention rate 97% • Student-to-faculty ratio 16:1
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
University of Miami is known for its major research initiatives. The University is involved in nearly $330 million in research a year—a vast majority of which is put to good use at the Miller School of Medicine. UM grooms its students to become strong individuals with excellent leadership skills. Students are taught to recognize their duty to both the local community as well as the global society.
THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING RESIDENCE
The College of Engineering has an established residence in University Village. Students living in the apartment are involved in a residential research experience in collaboration with the National Science Foundation. The focus of the project is develop habits of sustainability in conjunction with new technology.
Acceptance rate 19% • Net price $41,028 • SAT Range 1330-1470
Total Undergrad Population 12,883 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 84% • Retention rate 92% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
What to Know About Colleges in Florida: FAQs
Colleges of Distinction recognizes top institutions like University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Miami, Rollins College, and FAMU for their commitment to engaged learning and student outcomes.
Yes! Our 2026 Florida list includes a mix of public universities, private institutions, faith-based colleges, and even an HBCU. This ensures students can find the right fit regardless of their goals or background.
In-state students benefit from lower tuition at public schools like UF and FSU. Private colleges such as Rollins and Stetson offer generous scholarships and financial aid. Explore our Mega List of Scholarships to find more funding options.
Our Colleges of Distinction are selected based on teaching quality, career readiness, student engagement, and inclusive communities—not just rankings. These schools deliver education that truly supports long-term student success.
About Our Methodology: Colleges of Distinction selects schools based on four pillars: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Communities, and Successful Outcomes. These values ensure that students are not just educated—but empowered to thrive in their careers and communities. Learn more about our methodology here.
Explore More Colleges in Florida
- 💰 Best Affordable Colleges in Florida
- 🏛️ Best Public Colleges in Florida
- 🏫 Best Private Colleges in Florida
- 💼 Top Business Colleges in Florida
- 🩺 Top Nursing Colleges in Florida
- 🛠️ Top Engineering Colleges in Florida
Discover More Colleges Nationwide
- 🇺🇸 Best Colleges of Distinction (National)
- 💰 Best Affordable Colleges (National)
- 🏛️ Best Public Colleges of Distinction
- 🏫 Best Private Colleges of Distinction
- 🌐 International Colleges of Distinction
- 🪖 Military Support Colleges
- 📚 Top Education Colleges
- 🤝 Equity & Inclusion Colleges
- 🏫 Best Small Colleges