Best Private Colleges in Florida for 2026

Florida’s private colleges offer a highly personalized approach to higher education. With smaller class sizes, expert faculty, and tight-knit campus communities, these institutions help students thrive academically, socially, and professionally. From STEM and liberal arts to business and healthcare, private schools in Florida provide diverse opportunities for growth.

At Colleges of Distinction, we recognize schools that prioritize student engagement, academic excellence, and meaningful outcomes. The private colleges listed below go above and beyond, offering:

• Low student-to-faculty ratios for close mentoring and discussion-based learning
• Hands-on opportunities like research, internships, and service learning
• Strong alumni networks and career support for life after graduation
• Mission-driven communities that support personal and academic growth

Below, you’ll find our 2026 list of the Best Private Colleges in Florida, including standout institutions like University of Miami, Stetson University, and Rollins College.

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

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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

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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

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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 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

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Florida Private Colleges: Frequently Asked Questions