Florida has been ranked first in higher education by U.S. News & World Report for the tenth consecutive year, according to an announcement made by Governor Ron DeSantis. The state’s ranking is attributed to its low in-state tuition and fees, high graduation rates, and the fact that most students graduate with little or no debt.
Governor DeSantis commented on the achievement: “Florida has held the #1 spot in higher education for ten years in a row and we have much more to do. 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 the 2026 rankings, seven Florida institutions are included among the top 100 public universities nationwide—a record for the state—placing it among the top two states nationally for this measure. Additionally, seven Florida institutions are recognized as being among the best public colleges for veterans.
The University of Florida is ranked seventh among public universities nationally and thirtieth overall among all universities. It has remained within the top ten public universities for eight consecutive years. The university reported more than 400 patents over three years and annual research expenditures exceeding $1 billion. According to The Wall Street Journal, UF is also rated first among public universities nationwide for graduating students on time, offering low net costs, and positively impacting graduates’ salary performance.
The University of South Florida moved up two places from last year to forty-third among public universities nationwide. It is twelfth on the list of best value public universities and nineteenth most innovative school nationally.
Florida Atlantic University entered the top 100 list of public universities at number one hundred this year, improving by three positions compared to last year.
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University was placed ninety-second among national public universities and continues its streak as the top-ranked public historically Black college or university (HBCU) for seven straight years.
Florida International University achieved a rank of forty-sixth among national public universities and is recognized as leading in upward economic mobility across U.S. institutions.
New College of Florida was ranked tenth among national public liberal arts colleges.
Florida Polytechnic University received recognition as first among regional public colleges in the South for five consecutive years; it was also second regionally when both private and public schools were considered and third best value among Southern publics.
Florida State University climbed two spots from last year to twenty-first place nationally; it is twelfth for first-year experiences at U.S. public institutions.
The University of Central Florida advanced four places to fifty-seventh position nationally this year while The University of West Florida moved up four spots as well to sixth place regionally among Southern publics.
