Florida has been ranked first in higher education by U.S. News & World Report for the tenth consecutive year, according to an announcement from Governor Ron DeSantis. The state maintained its top position due to offering the lowest in-state tuition and fees, high rates of on-time graduation, and a significant proportion of students completing their degrees with little or no debt. Florida also achieved the number one spot for four-year college graduation rates.
“Florida has held the #1 spot in higher education for ten years in a row and we have much more to do,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida’s public universities offer the lowest in-state tuition in the country, allowing students to receive a quality education without a massive debt burden. More than three-quarters of Florida students graduate loan-free, and we ranked #1 for four-year graduation rates. With seven Florida institutions in the top 100 public universities nationwide, we’ve proven that academic achievement does not have to break the bank.”
For 2026, Florida set a record with seven institutions placed among the top 100 public universities nationwide, making it one of the top two states by this measure. Seven Florida institutions also appear among the top 100 best public colleges for veterans.
The University of Florida was ranked seventh among public universities nationally and has remained in the top ten for eight years. It is also ranked thirtieth among all universities, both public and private. The university reported over 400 patents issued during the past three years and annual research spending exceeding $1 billion. According to The Wall Street Journal, UF is recognized as the leading public university for graduating students on time, providing low net costs, and positively affecting graduates’ salaries.
The University of South Florida moved up two places to rank forty-third among public universities nationwide and is twelfth among best value public universities. It also ranks nineteenth for innovation.
Florida Atlantic University entered the top 100 list at number one hundred, improving by three spots from last year.
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University was ranked ninety-second among public universities and has been recognized as the leading public historically Black college or university (HBCU) for seven straight years.
Florida International University holds forty-sixth place among public universities and is noted as first nationally for upward economic mobility.
New College of Florida is tenth among public liberal arts colleges nationwide.
Florida Polytechnic University was named best regional public college in the South for five consecutive years and ranks second regionally overall (public and private) as well as third-best value among Southern public schools.
Florida State University advanced two positions to twenty-first place among national publics and ranks twelfth nationally for first-year experiences.
The University of Central Florida rose four spots to fifty-seventh place among national publics.
The University of West Florida climbed four places to sixth position among regional Southern publics.
