Florida has been ranked as the top state for higher education by U.S. News & World Report for the tenth year in a row, according to an announcement from Governor Ron DeSantis. The ranking is attributed to the state’s low in-state tuition and fees, high rates of on-time graduation, and students graduating with little or no debt.
“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, seven Florida public universities are included among the top 100 public universities nationwide, which places Florida among the leading states for this measure. Additionally, seven institutions are recognized as being among the best public colleges for veterans.
The University of Florida is ranked seventh among public universities nationally and has maintained a position in the top ten for eight years. It is also ranked thirtieth among all U.S. universities, both public and private. The university has produced over 400 patents in three years and spends more than $1 billion annually on research activities. According to The Wall Street Journal, UF ranks first among public universities for graduating students on time, providing low net costs, and having a positive impact on graduates’ salaries.
The University of South Florida moved up two spots to forty-third place among public universities and is recognized as twelfth best value and nineteenth most innovative school nationally.
Florida Atlantic University entered the top 100 list at number one hundred this year.
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University holds ninety-second place among public universities and remains first among public historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for seven consecutive years.
Florida International University is ranked forty-sixth among public institutions nationwide and first for upward economic mobility.
New College of Florida ranks tenth among public liberal arts colleges nationally.
Florida Polytechnic University continues its five-year streak as first regional public college in the South; it is second regionally overall (public or private) and third best value school in that category.
Florida State University advanced two positions to twenty-first place nationally among publics; it also stands twelfth for first-year experiences.
The University of Central Florida climbed four spots to fifty-seventh place this year.
The University of West Florida rose four positions to sixth place among regional publics in the South.
