Best Undergraduate Nursing Schools in Florida for 2026

Florida is home to some of the top undergraduate nursing programs in the nation. With strong demand for skilled and compassionate nurses, the Sunshine State’s colleges are rising to meet the challenge—offering well-rounded, accredited programs that emphasize hands-on training, career preparation, and student support.

At Colleges of Distinction, we recognize nursing schools that go beyond clinical excellence. These programs incorporate our Four Distinctions—Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Communities, and Successful Outcomes—while also demonstrating:

• Strong accreditation from ACEN and/or CCNE
• Proven success rates on NCLEX and HESI A2 exams
• Clinical partnerships and industry connections
• Liberal arts integration to support cultural competence and leadership
• Advising and mentorship tailored to nursing students

Below, explore our 2026 list of the Best Nursing Schools in Florida, including standout institutions like University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida State University, and more.

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

Click here for available majors

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 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

Click here for available majors

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

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

Click here for available majors

Read more about SEU’s nursing program

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

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

Click here for available majors

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

Click here for available majors

Read more about University of Miami’s nursing program

Florida Nursing Programs: Frequently Asked Questions