Florida’s public universities have achieved significant recognition in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. For the first time, seven of the state’s public institutions are ranked among the top 100 national public universities, with Florida Atlantic University joining this group.
The State University System of Florida remains one of the leading systems nationally, maintaining four schools in the top 50 for national public universities. Chancellor Ray Rodrigues stated, “The State University System of Florida has proven once again why we remain the #1 public university system in the nation. As we continue to build upon the collective strengths of our 12 institutions, our System delivers meaningful impact for students, faculty, and the state’s economic prosperity. The U.S. News & World Report rankings underscore these continued successes and ongoing efforts.”
Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb acknowledged those who contributed to this achievement: “This year’s rankings reflect the unwavering commitment of Florida’s public universities to delivering academic excellence and world-class faculty expertise. These remarkable outcomes affirm the hard work and dedication of our university trustees, faculty, students, and staff across the state. On behalf of the Board of Governors, I applaud their efforts and extend our appreciation to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their steadfast support and investment in higher education.”
In this year’s rankings among public national universities:
– University of Florida is ranked #7.
– Florida State University is at #21, up two places from last year.
– University of South Florida is at #43, also up two spots.
– Florida International University holds #46.
– University of Central Florida is at #61.
– Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) is ranked #92.
– Florida Atlantic University makes its debut at #100, rising three positions.
Other notable results include:
– Florida Polytechnic University has been named #1 among regional public colleges in the South for five consecutive years.
– The University of West Florida rose four spots to rank #6 among regional public universities in the South.
– New College of Florida is listed as #10 among public liberal arts colleges.
Additional highlights from individual institutions:
– FAMU has been recognized as the top Public HBCU for seven straight years.
– Florida Polytechnic ranks second among all regional colleges (public and private) in its region and third best value among Southern public schools; it also holds a spot among the top 30 undergraduate engineering programs nationally for schools without a PhD program.
– FSU ranks twelfth nationally for first-year student experiences.
– UF has remained within America’s top ten public universities for eight years running.
– USF appears in the top fifty nationwide for five consecutive years; it also places twelfth on best value lists and nineteenth on most innovative schools lists.
– UWF is listed among the ten best regional Southern colleges for veterans.
Florida Atlantic President Adam Hasner said, “Florida Atlantic’s ascent into the U.S. News Top 100 Public Schools ranking is a milestone that reflects the extraordinary momentum and impact our university has built over the years, defined by excellence, innovation and opportunity. I am proud to celebrate this achievement with our students, alumni, donors, faculty, staff and community, whose hard work and dedication have propelled our rise as a national leader in higher education. With this bold trajectory, Florida Atlantic will continue to accelerate, transforming lives through student success, innovative research and social mobility.”
University of West Florida Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. commented on his school’s progress: “We are proud to see UWF recognized at its highest ranking yet, a reflection of our exceptional programs, dedicated faculty and staff, and outstanding students. This achievement underscores our continued momentum and commitment to excellence. We are grateful to our Board of Trustees, the Florida Board of Governors and the Florida Legislature for their support in helping us reach new heights.”
U.S. News & World Report determines its college rankings using metrics such as graduation rates, social mobility measures including student debt levels after graduation or transfer rates from lower-income backgrounds into more successful careers or advanced degrees; retention rates; as well as academic reputation based on surveys.
