Florida’s public universities have achieved a new milestone in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, with seven institutions ranked among the top 100 national public 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. Four Florida schools remain in the top 50, and Florida Atlantic University appears in the top 100 for the first time.
Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System, commented on this achievement: “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.”
In this year’s rankings among national public universities:
– University of Florida is ranked #7.
– Florida State University moved up two spots to #21.
– University of South Florida also climbed two spots to #43.
– Florida International University is at #46.
– University of Central Florida is at #61.
– Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) holds #92.
– Florida Atlantic University rose three spots to debut at #100.
Other notable placements include:
– Florida Polytechnic University is ranked as the top regional public college in the South for five consecutive years.
– The University of West Florida advanced four spots to rank sixth among regional public universities in the South.
– New College of Florida is listed as tenth among public liberal arts colleges.
Additional distinctions highlighted include FAMU being named best public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for seven years running; strong value ratings for several institutions; high marks for undergraduate engineering programs; recognition for first-year experiences; veteran support; innovation; and social mobility.
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.”
University of West Florida 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 evaluates nearly 1,500 institutions using factors such as graduation rates, social mobility measures like upward movement from lower-income backgrounds into higher income brackets after graduation; student debt levels; retention rates; and overall academic reputation.
