Florida’s public universities have achieved a significant milestone in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, with seven institutions now listed among the top 100 public national universities. This marks a record for the state and places Florida among the top three states nationally for the number of public universities in this category. Notably, Florida Atlantic University entered the top 100 for the first time.
Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System of Florida, commented on these results: “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 added: “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.”
The rankings highlight several achievements:
– The University of Florida is ranked #7.
– Florida State University rose two spots to #21.
– The University of South Florida also moved up two spots to #43.
– Other schools in the top 100 include Florida International University (#46), University of Central Florida (#61), Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (#92), and Florida Atlantic University (#100).
Additional recognitions include:
– Florida Polytechnic University ranked as #1 regional public college in the South for five consecutive years.
– The University of West Florida reached its highest position at #6 among regional public universities in the South.
– New College of Florida was placed at #10 among public liberal arts colleges.
Individual leaders noted further accomplishments. FAU President Adam Hasner stated: “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.”
UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. said: “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.”
The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings assess nearly 1,500 institutions using metrics such as graduation rates, social mobility measures like upward movement for lower-income students or those from underrepresented backgrounds; student debt levels; retention rates; and academic reputation.
