Florida is one of the most dynamic higher education destinations in the United States. From the University of Florida in Gainesville — a top-10 public university — to Florida State, the University of Miami, and dozens of excellent regional and private institutions, the Sunshine State offers world-class education in one of America’s most vibrant and diverse states.
Best Universities in Florida 2026
Southeastern University
Location: Lakeland | Type: Private | Founded: 1935 | Tuition: $28,750/yr
Southeastern University (SEU) is a private Assemblies of God Pentecostal university founded in 1935 in Lakeland, Florida. Enrolling 8,000 students, SEU is one of the fastest-growing Christian universities in Florida with programs in ministry, business, education, and communication. Colleges College of Business — Business programs…
Programs: Arts & Design, Business & Finance, Education, Liberal Arts
Ave Maria University
Location: Ave Maria | Type: Private | Founded: 2003 | Tuition: $24,200/yr
Ave Maria University is a private orthodox Roman Catholic university founded in 2003 in Ave Maria, Florida — a planned community built around the university in Southwest Florida. Enrolling 1,500 students, AMU is one of the most faithfully Catholic universities in the US, offering theology,…
Programs: Business & Finance, Law, Liberal Arts, Medicine & Health Sciences
Saint Leo University
Location: Saint Leo | Type: Private | Founded: 1889 | Tuition: $23,340/yr
Saint Leo University is a private Catholic Benedictine liberal arts university founded in 1889 in Saint Leo, Florida, the oldest Catholic university in Florida. Enrolling 17,000 students across its campus and extensive online programs, Saint Leo is one of the largest Catholic universities in the…
Programs: Arts & Design, Business & Finance, Education, Liberal Arts
Lynn University
Location: Boca Raton | Type: Private | Founded: 1962 | Tuition: $43,900/yr
Lynn University is a private liberal arts university founded in 1962 in Boca Raton, Florida. Enrolling 3,500 students, Lynn is known for being one of the first universities in the US to adopt an iPad-based curriculum and for strong programs in business, hospitality, communication, and…
Programs: Business & Finance, Education, Liberal Arts, Music & Performing Arts
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Location: West Palm Beach | Type: Private | Founded: 1968 | Tuition: $33,980/yr
Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is a private interdenominational Christian university founded in 1968 in West Palm Beach, on the scenic Intracoastal Waterway. Enrolling 3,500 students, PBA offers nursing, pharmacy, business, music, and liberal arts programs from a distinctly Christian perspective. Schools School of Nursing…
Programs: Business & Finance, Liberal Arts, Medicine & Health Sciences, Music & Performing Arts
Eckerd College
Location: Saint Petersburg | Type: Private | Founded: 1958 | Tuition: $52,000/yr
Eckerd College is a private liberal arts college founded in 1958 in St. Petersburg, Florida, on the shores of Tampa Bay. Consistently ranked among the top national liberal arts colleges, Eckerd enrolls 2,000 students and is known for its Academy of Senior Professionals, distinctive marine…
Programs: Agriculture & Environment, Business & Finance, Liberal Arts, Science & Research
Barry University
Location: Miami Shores | Type: Private | Founded: 1940 | Tuition: $31,800/yr
Barry University is a private Catholic Dominican university founded in 1940 in Miami Shores, Florida, just north of Miami. Enrolling 8,000 students, Barry is known for its law school, College of Podiatric Medicine (one of few in Florida), nursing, social work, and education programs serving…
Programs: Business & Finance, Education, Law, Liberal Arts
Jacksonville University
Location: Jacksonville | Type: Private | Founded: 1934 | Tuition: $39,520/yr
Jacksonville University (JU) is a private liberal arts university founded in 1934 in Jacksonville, Florida, on a beautiful 260-acre campus along the St. Johns River. Enrolling 4,500 students, JU is known for nursing, aviation, business, and marine science programs in Florida’s largest city. Schools and…
Programs: Aviation, Business & Finance, Liberal Arts, Medicine & Health Sciences
Top Community Colleges in Florida 2026
Community colleges in Florida offer affordable pathways with transfer agreements to all major state universities.
- Lake-Sumter State College — Leesburg
- Chipola College — Marianna
- Florida Gateway College — Lake City
- Pensacola State College — Pensacola
- Florida SouthWestern State College — Fort Myers
- Indian River State College — Palm City
How to Choose a University in Florida
Consider your major, tuition, accreditations, location, and career outcomes when selecting a Florida university. Compare financial aid packages and campus culture.
- Tuition: Compare in-state vs out-of-state rates and financial aid generosity.
- Accreditation: AACSB (business), ABET (engineering), CCNE (nursing).
- Location: Proximity to employers and internship opportunities.
- Campus Fit: Visit to find the environment where you will thrive.
Florida’s booming economy, warm climate, and diverse industries — from aerospace at Kennedy Space Center to finance in Miami and tech in Tampa — create outstanding career opportunities for graduates. The state’s Bright Futures Scholarship program makes college affordable for high-achieving Florida students.
Browse our complete Florida university directory.
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