TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida has been ranked the top state for higher education by U.S. News & World Report for the tenth year in a row, according to an announcement Monday from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The state secured the No. 1 spot based on affordability, graduation rates, and student debt levels. Florida continues to offer the lowest in-state tuition and fees in the country, and rose to first place nationally for four-year college graduation rates.
“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,” DeSantis said in a statement. “More than three-quarters of Florida students graduate loan-free, and we ranked No. 1 for four-year graduation rates.”
Seven Florida universities made the top 100 list of public institutions for the 2026 rankings, marking the highest number in the state’s history. The state also ranked among the top two nationally for most public universities in the top 100, and seven institutions were recognized as among the best public colleges for veterans.
University Rankings and Highlights
- University of Florida ranked No. 7 among public universities and No. 30 overall. UF produced more than 400 patents in the past three years, surpassed $1 billion in annual research spending, and was recognized by The Wall Street Journal as the top public university in graduating students on time and for the lowest net cost.
- Florida State University rose two spots to No. 21 among public universities and was ranked No. 12 for first-year experiences.
- University of South Florida ranked No. 43 among public universities, up two places from last year. It was also listed No. 12 for best value and No. 19 for innovation.
- Florida International University ranked No. 46 among public universities and was named No. 1 in the nation for upward economic mobility.
- University of Central Florida climbed four spots to No. 57 among public universities.
- Florida Atlantic University entered the top 100 at No. 100, its highest ranking to date.
- Florida A&M University ranked No. 92 among public universities and held its distinction as the top public historically Black college or university (HBCU) for the seventh straight year.
- New College of Florida was ranked No. 10 among public liberal arts colleges nationwide.
- Florida Polytechnic University was named No. 1 for regional public colleges in the South for the fifth consecutive year and No. 3 for best value among public schools in the region.
- University of West Florida ranked No. 6 among regional public universities in the South, moving up four places.
State officials said the rankings reflect long-term investments in Florida’s higher education system aimed at keeping tuition low and degree completion rates high.
