Florida has been ranked first in higher education by U.S. News & World Report for the tenth year in a row, according to an announcement from Governor Ron DeSantis. The state achieved this ranking due to its low in-state tuition and fees, high rates of on-time graduation, and the large proportion of students graduating with little or no debt. Florida also maintained its position as the state with the lowest tuition and fees and rose to first place for four-year college graduation rates.
“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, Florida placed seven institutions among the top 100 public universities nationwide, which is a record for the state. This achievement puts Florida among the top two states for having the most public institutions ranked within this group. Additionally, seven of these institutions are recognized among the best public colleges for veterans.
Several universities contributed to these results:
– The University of Florida was ranked seventh among public universities nationally and thirtieth overall among all universities. It has remained in the top ten for eight consecutive years. The university is notable for generating over 400 patents in three years and spending more than $1 billion annually on research. According to The Wall Street Journal, it is also first among public universities nationwide for on-time graduation rates, net cost, and salary outcomes after graduation.
– The University of South Florida was ranked forty-third among public universities nationwide, moving up two spots from last year. It was also listed twelfth as a best value public university and nineteenth as one of the most innovative schools.
– Florida Atlantic University entered the top 100 list at number one hundred.
– Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) was ranked ninety-second among public universities nationwide and has been recognized as the leading public historically Black college or university (HBCU) for seven years running.
– Florida International University was ranked forty-sixth nationally among public universities and first in upward economic mobility.
– New College of Florida reached tenth place among public liberal arts colleges nationally.
– Florida Polytechnic University continued its streak as first regionally among southern public colleges for five years.
– Florida State University moved up two places to twenty-first nationally among public universities and was twelfth for first-year experiences.
– The University of Central Florida rose four spots to fifty-seventh place nationally.
– The University of West Florida climbed four places to sixth regionally among southern public universities.
