2023 Best Undergraduate Nursing Schools in Florida
Published: September 1, 2022
By: Colleges of Distinction Staff
Jump to: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Florida Southern College | Southeastern University | University of Florida | University of Miami | University of South Florida | Frequently Asked Questions
The path to becoming a nurse is undoubtedly a long and arduous process that requires hard work and dedication. With a shortage in capable and compassionate nurses, it is becoming increasingly important that nursing programs are well rounded, highly accredited, and focused on student success. Colleges of Distinction is proud to recognize schools with these very programs, ones that fully support future nurses along (and beyond!) their undergraduate journey. These institutions, already highly regarded for their commitment to the Four Distinctions, go the extra mile with their cutting-edge nursing degrees.
Our Florida top colleges for nursing offer students an exciting place to learn and thrive, as proven by the following:
Stability and excellence as core tenets of these nursing programs. Not only have these programs been awarding degrees for more than 10 years, but faculty are continually recognized for their impressive experience and research.
Validation from the ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) and/or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) for their commitment to quality and student success.
Practical experiences that provide ample opportunities for students to apply their knowledge to the real world through internships, mentorship programs, and volunteer opportunities.
High mastery rates in such standardized exams as the NCLEX and HESI A2.
Dedicated advising and counseling available specifically for nursing students.
Liberal arts exposure to make students culturally competent, well-rounded individuals with superior critical thinking and leadership skills.
High-impact practices embedded into the curriculum.
Industry connections cultivated by faculty and staff to help students build their network and find meaningful work.
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 33% • Net price $12,903 • SAT Range 1030-1150 • Students submitting SAT scores 86%
Total Undergrad Population 9,184 • Setting City: Midsize • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 55% • Retention rate 85% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
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 50% • Net price $27,091 • SAT Range 1110-1280 • Students submitting SAT scores 60%
Total Undergrad Population 3,413 • Setting City: Midsize • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 68% • Retention rate 81% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
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 43% • Net price $25,987 • SAT Range 960-1170 • Students submitting SAT scores 45%
Total Undergrad Population 9,546 • Setting City: Midsize • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 47% • Retention rate 66% • Student-to-faculty ratio 28:1
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 31% • Net price $10,075 • SAT Range 1290-1460 • Students submitting SAT scores 81%
Total Undergrad Population 34,931 • Setting City: Midsize • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 89% • Retention rate 97% • Student-to-faculty ratio 17:1
Read more about University of Florida’s nursing program
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 33% • Net price $31,726 • SAT Range 1250-1420 • Students submitting SAT scores 55%
Total Undergrad Population 17,809 • Setting City: Small • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 83% • Retention rate 91% • Student-to-faculty ratio 12:1
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Bright, talented students hailing from over 128 countries come to the University of South Florida to experience everything the institution has to offer: student access, innovative research opportunities, and a rigorous, interdisciplinary academic environment. USF graduates enter the workforce as thoughtful, dedicated, innovative citizens ready to change the world.
Founded in 1956, the University of South Florida is a major metropolitan research university located in the heart of Tampa Bay. USF is dedicated to empowering students to maximize their potential for lifelong success.
Acceptance rate 49% • Net price $10,004 • SAT Range 1160-1320 • Students submitting SAT scores 74%
Total Undergrad Population 50,626 • Setting City: Large • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 74% • Retention rate 92% • Student-to-faculty ratio 22:1
What it’s like to attend nursing schools in Florida and other FAQ:
The average undergraduate tuition & fees for colleges in Florida is $4,100 for in-state students at public institutions, $16,100 for out-of-state students at public institutions, and $19,000 for students at private institutions.
University of South Florida has an average net price of $10,004 making it the least expensive nursing degree program in Florida that made our list.
Florida Southern College has an acceptance rate of 50%, making it the least exclusive college with nursing program on our list.
University of Florida has a median total debt after graduation of $15,580. This is the typical debt for a student who completed their undergraduate degree.
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