Best Colleges in Florida
“The Sunshine State” and home to 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida is a state run on tourism with a subtropical-to-tropical climate. The wide variety of colleges in Florida include the 12 in the State University System of Florida, the 28 community colleges and state colleges in the Florida College System, and numerous religiously-affiliated institutions. The oldest recognized institution in the Alligator State is Rollins College, founded in 1885. While, of course, Florida is home to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, it also claims several unique attractions, such as Solomon’s Castle in Ona, The Dali Museum, the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach, and Falling Waters State Park.
How Were the Top Schools in Florida Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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One of the few land-, space-, and sea-grant institutions in the US, the University of Florida is a public research university founded in 1853. It is the eighth largest single-campus university in the United States. U.S. News & World Report have...
This is the best school in the state hands down, and is also a powerful name amongst all colleges in the nation, both private and public.
” – Jerry from San Antonio, FL
Founded in 1925, the University of Miami is a private research institution in south Florida. The U encompasses 11 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 180 fields of study. Away from the classroom, the Miami campus is home to...
The Cool thing about UM is the diversity of the school and the city of Miami. I've met people from every corner of the country and the world and that's the best part about college, of course learning in class but also learning from those who are not...
” – Jude from Miami, FL
Florida State University is the oldest institution of Higher Education in Florida. Located on 1,633 acres of land in Tallahassee, FSU is a space- and sea-grant research university offering more than 300 degree programs. The campus is home to the only...
There are many different programs at FSU so you will be surrounded with experienced and helpful faculty. The university is strong in the liberal arts and hard sciences, but they also have a number of other outstanding programs including criminology...
” – Alesha from Shalimar, FL
Featuring the largest single-campus enrollment in the United States, the University of Central Florida is a public university in Orlando. UCF is home to 13 colleges granting degrees in over 200 academic majors. Additionally, UCF is a space-grant...
Since I have been at the University of Central Florida I have learned more than I could imagine. The professors truly know what they are teaching and are more than welcomed to give you any additional help if needed. There is no excuse that they...
” – Rebecca from Kissimmee, FL
Life-changing adventure. Knowledge and skills that stand the test of time. The world’s greatest guides. At Rollins, you’ll craft a one-of-a-kind college experience and seize infinite opportunities to put your education to work in the world. You’ll...
When i started attending this college it was so surreal, everything about his school was perfect. The campus was beautiful, the professors amazing and my peers pretty awesome. The classes are small and have been more focused on the individual...
” – Justin from Winter Park, FL
The University of South Florida is a public research university located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, offering more than 180 majors and concentrations. Ranked on multiple lists for its research efforts, USF’s Office of Undergraduate Research at the Tampa...
Besides your core classes that apply directly to your major, students must meet “Gordon Rule” requirements in order to graduate. These classes have broadened my horizon tremendously. I never would have taken Anthropology, World Regional Geography, or...
” – Julie from Deland, FL
Stetson University is a private university in DeLand, FL, with regional campuses in Tampa, Gulfport, and Orlando. Stetson is home to a college of Arts and Sciences and was also the first institution in the state to host schools of Business...
With a revamped curriculum that was launched this fall, Stetson is offering a wider variety of classes than ever. This school is designed with the goal of every student graduating with a well-rounded education, and I wholeheartedly feel this at work...
” – Maria Harper
The University of Tampa is a 4-year private university with a campus in the heart of downtown Tampa. UT features a Four College Model consisting of colleges of Business, Arts, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. For students who wish to learn in...
Since the class sizes are so small, the professors are able to focus more on the individual students and therefore make sure that you do learn and pass the class.
” – Sarah from Tampa, FL
Florida Tech is home to the serious seekers, the relentlessly curious, bold and driven scholars who learn best by doing. Our hands-on approach to education includes a cooperative education program, field research projects, capstone experiences...
When you come here, you must be alert and ready to learn. This school is perfect for you, if you like one and one interaction. The classes wont pass 50 students. Professors are always available, the student center will always be watching your grades...
” – Angeline from Palm Springs, FL
New College of Florida is a public liberal arts and sciences institution and honors college situated in Sarasota, FL. It is part of the State University System of Florida and has been rated as having a “more selective” admissions process. Favored...
New College of Florida was founded by independent thinkers for independent thinkers. The academic program here requires a student who is capable of taking on full responsibility for his or her education. Although, NCF students are notorious for their...
” – Rebekah from Lake Panasoffkee, FL
With campus along the shore of Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern College is a 4-year private institution in Lakeland, Florida. Florida Southern confers bachelor’s degrees in over 70 academic programs. For students interested in history and...
The staff of Florida Southern are so helpful and passionate about the students' endeavors, it's a breath of fresh air. Not only would you learn in the classroom, but there are so many other opportunities for students to grow and become active members...
” – Jasmine from Lakeland, FL
The University of North Florida is a 4-year public institution in Jacksonville and a member of the State University System of Florida. UNF is home to five colleges of Health, Business, Arts, Computing, and Education hosting degree-granting programs...
Take advantage of professor's office hours!! They are more than willing to sit down with you!
” – Carly from Florida
Located in St. Petersburg, FL, Eckerd College is a 4-year liberal arts institution on a mile-long waterfront beach. Eckerd offers upwards of 40 majors, all of which include 4 years of classes in art, literature, and the natural and social sciences...
Eckerd College is a very small liberal arts school in St. Pete, FL. The best part about attending a small school is that the class sizes are smaller, which enhances learning. You actually get to know your professors (which are all very helpful) and...
” – Tess from Morton Grove, IL
The University of West Florida is a 4-year public school in the Florida Panhandle and a member of the State University System of Florida. UWF hosts five colleges conferring undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 70 fields of study. For students...
Everyday I go into a classroom I learn something that I can use almost everyday.
” – Eric from Pace, FL
Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University is a top rated, private university located in Tampa Bay, Florida. We offer our students an ideal college experience - from our leading-edge academics with over 50 programs (including unique accelerated 3 + 1...
I AM LEARNING A LOT AT ST LEO AND THE PROFESSORS ARE REALLY HELPFUL AND WANT YOU TO SUCEED
” – JOSEPH from ORLANDO, FL
Florida International University is the only public research university in Miami. FIU offers bachelor’s degrees in over 190 academic fields of study. In addition to classroom facilities, the FIU campus houses the International Hurricane Research...
FIU is, first and foremost, a University. It's not a college. It can be tough on its students, and it has a 'no-nonsense' attitude when it comes to exams. You'll find few to no teachers there who are willing to baby their students. As such, it would...
” – Milagros from Miami, FL
Founded by a group of local businessmen over breakfast, Nova Southeastern University is a 4-year private university in southeast Florida and an Hispanic-serving institution. NSU is home to 18 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in...
So far, the professors are great; they are helpful; they will go out of their way to help you. One of my professors let me borrow their book, to copy chapters out of it, so I could do my assigned reading, since I didn't have a book.
” – Charlene from Fort Lauderdale, FL
Located on the site of a former 19th century luxury resort hotel, Flagler College is a private liberal arts college in northeast Florida. Flagler hosts schools of Business, Creative Arts, and Humanities conferring undergraduate degrees in 35 academic...
At Flagler the classes are so small, and the students to teacher ratio makes sure that you have that intimate relationship where you can gain more knowledge. The teachers are always willing to help you and they all want to make sure you succeed. They...
” – Amy from Saint Augustine , FL
Founded in 1887, the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is an Historically Black College and University in Tallahassee and the only public HBCU in the state of Florida. Florida A&M is home to 12 colleges and schools granting bachelor’s...
The professors come from all over the world and are always willing to share their personal perspective upon request...
” – Karl from Dallas, TX
Nestled along the coast of Tampa Bay on Bayboro Harbor, the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus offers bachelor’s degree programs in the arts and sciences, business, and education. The St. Petersburg campus is working towards being...
attending usfsp has been quite an experience. my teachers and peers are so wonderful and are more beneficial than i thought they would be. i just love it here!
” – Elna from Valrico, FL