Florida has been ranked as the top state for higher education by U.S. News & World Report for the tenth consecutive year, according to an announcement made by Governor Ron DeSantis in Gainesville. The ranking is attributed to the state’s 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, seven Florida institutions were listed among the top 100 public universities nationwide—a record for the state—placing Florida among the top two states with this distinction. Additionally, seven institutions from Florida are also recognized among the best public colleges for veterans.
The University of Florida was ranked seventh among public universities nationally and thirtieth among all universities. It has remained within the top ten public universities for eight consecutive years. The university’s research output includes over 400 patents issued in three years and annual research expenditures exceeding $1 billion. According to The Wall Street Journal, it is also recognized as first among public universities for graduating students on time, offering low net costs, and positively impacting graduates’ salaries.
The University of South Florida moved up two spots to rank forty-third among public universities and is noted as twelfth best value among public institutions as well as nineteenth most innovative school nationally.
Florida Atlantic University entered the top 100 list at number one hundred, rising three positions from last year.
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University placed ninety-second among public universities and maintained its position as the leading public historically Black college or university (HBCU) nationally for seven years running.
Florida International University achieved forty-sixth place among public universities and was recognized as first nationwide for upward economic mobility.
New College of Florida was ranked tenth among public liberal arts colleges across the country.
Florida Polytechnic University continued its streak as first regional public college in the South for five years and second overall regional college including both private and public schools; it was also named third best value among Southern public schools.
Other notable rankings include Florida State University at twenty-first place (up two spots), twelfth nationally for first-year experiences; University of Central Florida at fifty-seventh (up four spots); and University of West Florida at sixth place regionally (also up four places).
