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 position is attributed to its low 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 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 the 2026 rankings, Florida achieved a record by having seven institutions listed among the top 100 public universities nationwide. This places Florida among the top two states with the highest number of public institutions recognized nationally. Additionally, seven of these institutions are also included among the best public colleges for veterans.
The University of Florida (UF) was ranked seventh among public universities across the country and has remained within the top ten for eight years. UF also placed thirtieth among all universities, both public and private. The university reported over 400 patents produced in three years and annual research expenditures surpassing $1 billion. According to The Wall Street Journal, UF leads as the top public university nationally for graduating students on time, offering low net costs, and positively impacting graduates’ salaries.
The University of South Florida moved up two spots from last year to rank forty-third among public universities nationwide. It was also named twelfth best value among public universities and nineteenth most innovative school.
Florida Atlantic University entered the top 100 list at number one hundred this year after rising three positions.
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University secured ninety-second place among public universities nationwide and maintained its status as the leading public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for seven straight years.
Florida International University reached forty-sixth place nationally among publics and is recognized as first in upward economic mobility.
New College of Florida was ranked tenth among public liberal arts colleges nationwide.
Florida Polytechnic University led regional rankings as first for southern regional publics for five consecutive years; it also placed second regionally when including both publics and privates, and third best value among southern publics.
Florida State University advanced two spots to twenty-first place among national publics; it was also listed twelfth nationally for first-year experiences at a public university.
The University of Central Florida climbed four places to fifty-seventh nationally while the University of West Florida moved up four positions to sixth place regionally in southern publics.
