Florida has been ranked first in higher education by U.S. News & World Report for the tenth consecutive year, according to an announcement from Governor Ron DeSantis. The state’s public universities continue to offer the lowest in-state tuition and fees nationwide, while also achieving high graduation rates and ensuring that most students graduate 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 are listed among the top 100 public universities nationally—a record for the state—placing Florida among the top two states with this distinction. Seven of these institutions are also recognized as being among the best public colleges for veterans.
The University of Florida is ranked seventh among public universities nationwide and has remained in the top ten for eight years. It is also thirtieth among all U.S. universities, both public and private. The university reported over 400 patents within three years and annual research expenditures above $1 billion. According to The Wall Street Journal, it is first among public universities for graduating students on time, offering low net costs, and impacting graduates’ salary performance.
The University of South Florida moved up two spots to rank forty-third among public universities nationally. It is twelfth for best value among public institutions and nineteenth for innovation.
Florida Atlantic University entered the top 100 list at number one hundred after rising three places from last year.
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University holds ninety-second place nationally among publics and remains first as a public HBCU for seven consecutive years.
Florida International University is ranked forty-sixth overall among publics and leads nationally in upward economic mobility.
New College of Florida ranks tenth among public liberal arts colleges nationwide.
Florida Polytechnic University was named first regionally among southern publics for five straight years; it also ranks second regionally when including both private and public schools, as well as third best value school in its category.
Florida State University advanced two spots to twenty-first place nationally; it is twelfth best for first-year experiences at a public university.
The University of Central Florida rose four places to fifty-seventh on this year’s list of national publics.
The University of West Florida climbed four positions to sixth place regionally among southern publics.
