Florida’s public universities have achieved notable results in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, with seven institutions now placed among the top 100 national public universities—a new record for the state. Florida remains one of the top three states for the number of public universities in this category.
Four Florida universities are listed in the top 50: University of Florida at #7, Florida State University at #21 (up two spots), University of South Florida at #43 (up two spots), and Florida International University at #46. Other institutions in the top 100 include University of Central Florida (#61), Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (#92), and, for the first time, Florida Atlantic University (#100, up three spots).
State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues commented on these achievements: “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 also recognized the commitment across campuses: “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 regional categories, Florida Polytechnic University secured its position as #1 Regional Public College in the South for a fifth consecutive year. The University of West Florida climbed four places to reach #6 among Regional Public Universities: South. New College of Florida is ranked #10 among Public Liberal Arts Colleges.
Additional highlights include:
– Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University maintaining its status as #1 Public HBCU for seven years.
– Florida Polytechnic University ranking as #2 Regional College among both public and private schools in its region, placing third among best value public schools in the South, and having a top 30 undergraduate engineering program nationally among public schools without a PhD.
– Florida State University ranked twelfth nationally for first-year experiences.
– The University of Florida has remained a top ten public university nationally for eight years.
– The University of South Florida has been in the top fifty for five years running; it is also ranked twelfth best value among public universities and nineteenth most innovative school nationwide.
– The University of West Florida is listed as a top ten college for veterans among regional universities in the South.
Florida Atlantic University’s President Adam Hasner remarked on his institution’s progress: “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. stated: “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 bases its Best Colleges rankings on metrics such as graduation rates, social mobility indicators, student debt levels upon graduation, retention rates from first to second year studies at each institution, as well as academic reputation surveys.
