Florida’s Universities Remain Top-Rated in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings

~ Florida has four institutions ranked in the top 50 and six in the top 100 ~

Tallahassee, FL (September 24, 2024) - Florida's public universities continue to excel in the 2025 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Florida now has four schools in the top 50 for public universities, second most among all states, and six in the top 100. In addition, six universities improved their rankings from the previous year, with Florida International University, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, and Florida Atlantic University having the largest improvements, advancing by 18, 10, and 9 spots, respectively.

"The impressive rankings achieved by our 12 universities this year reaffirm Florida's status as the top state for higher education," said Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. "The State University System of Florida remains committed to maintaining academic excellence and delivering a high-quality education. The recognition from U.S. News & World Report highlights the successful results of our efforts."

"Florida's universities continue to prove that prioritizing academic achievement and faculty excellence leads to incredible outcomes. On behalf of the Board of Governors, I recognize all of our universities, their trustees, administrators, and staff for the success in this year's rankings and thank Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their support and investment in higher education," said Chair Brian Lamb.

2025 Best Colleges Rankings: Public

• University of Florida - ranked 7^th
• Florida State University - ranked 23^rd
• University of South Florida - ranked 45^th
• Florida International University - ranked 46^th, up 18 spots
• University of Central Florida - ranked 61^st, up 3 spots
• Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University - ranked 81^st, up 10 spots
• Florida Atlantic University - ranked 103^rd, up 9 spots
• University of North Florida - ranked 126^th, up 3 spots
• Florida Gulf Coast University - ranked 161^st, up 1 spot
• University of West Florida - ranked 10^th, Regional Universities: South
• Florida Polytechnic University - ranked 2^nd, Regional Colleges: South
• New College of Florida - ranked 7^th, Liberal Arts Colleges

U.S. News & World Report uses key metrics to determine the Best Colleges rankings, including graduation rates, social mobility, student debt, retention rates and academic reputation.

Ranking Highlights:

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University

FAMU rose 10 places to reach #81 among the top public universities and remained the highest-rated public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for the sixth consecutive year and third among all private and public HBCUs.

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic moved up 20 spots to #146 this year compared to #166 last year in the "Best Value" category for all national universities, public and private. The university remained in the top 40 in the "Social Mobility" category, at 32.

Florida Gulf Coast University

FGCU tied, at #182, for having the Best Undergraduate Nursing program among all national universities, up 46 spots since last year. On the national licensing exam, FGCU students had a 100% first-time pass rate - surpassing state and national pass rates in 2023.

Florida International University

FIU ranked #46 among public universities - breaking into the top 50 for the first time - and #98 among all universities, public and private. The university also ranked #1 in the nation for social mobility, a ranking that measures the ability of graduates to use their degrees to launch careers and move up the economic ladder.

Florida Polytechnic University

For the fourth consecutive year, Florida Polytechnic University was recognized as the #1 public college in the Southeast. Additionally, Florida Poly ranked among the top 20 public engineering programs without a Ph.D. in the nation for the second year in a row and as the #2 best-value public college in the Southeast for the third straight year.

Florida State University

FSU ranked #7 among all national public universities for "First Year Experiences" - placing it at #1 in the Florida SUS. FSU's debut on this list reflects the university's continued commitment to fostering positive undergraduate student experiences.

New College of Florida

New College ranked #7 among National Liberal Arts Colleges. New College continues taking essential steps toward reclaiming its stature as the top public liberal arts university in America.

University of Central Florida

UCF is a top 5 public university for Most Innovative School by U.S. News and World Report - moving up nine places from last year.

University of Florida

UF again ranked among the top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, as it has been for the past seven years. Rankings for accounting, finance, real estate and undergraduate business programs in the Warrington College of Business also improved.

University of North Florida

UNF has improved two years in a row and moved 14 spots since 2020. The institution continues to rise in the rankings as a national university and a top public school. It was also recognized for its nursing, psychology and business programs.

University of South Florida

USF ranked as the #1 "best value" among all universities in Florida, public or private. Over the past 10 years, USF rose an impressive 39 spots among public universities from #84 to #45, and 65 spots among all universities, from #156 to #91.

University of West Florida

UWF ranked in the top 10 among public regional universities in the South. In addition, it was ranked in the top 10 for Best Colleges for Veterans among Southern universities. The psychology and nursing programs were also recognized.

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About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors

The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The System has 12 universities and more than 430,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has held the top spot in U.S. News & World Report for higher education since the inception of the rankings in 2017. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the System's coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the System's chief executive. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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