Top 10 Universities in Florida
Florida boasts several prestigious universities offering diverse academic programs and opportunities for students. Here are the top 10 universities in Florida, each providing a unique educational experience:
University of Florida (UF)
The University of Florida (UF), founded in 1853, is a public research university located in Gainesville. It is known for its extensive academic offerings, strong research programs, and vibrant campus life. With a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, UF provides students with a comprehensive and transformative educational experience.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #28 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 52,000 students
Degrees Offered:
UF offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 39%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1365.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports
- Performing Arts Groups
- Research and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Tim Tebow (Former NFL Quarterback)
- Faye Dunaway (Actress)
- Emmitt Smith (Former NFL Running Back)
- Joe Haldeman (Science Fiction Writer)
- Bob Vila (TV Personality and Home Improvement Expert)
Top Employers:
- University of Florida
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- com
- Publix Super Markets
University of Miami (UM)
The University of Miami (UM), founded in 1925, is a private research university located in Coral Gables. It is known for its diverse student body, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus culture. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and global engagement, UM provides students with a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #49 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 17,000 students
Degrees Offered:
UM offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, business, law, and health sciences.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 32%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1415.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Greek Life
- Performing Arts Groups
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports
Famous Alumni:
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Actor and Former Wrestler)
- Sylvester Stallone (Actor)
- Gloria Estefan (Singer)
- Enrique Iglesias (Singer)
- Ray Liotta (Actor)
Top Employers:
- University of Miami
- Baptist Health South Florida
- Carnival Corporation & plc
- Royal Caribbean Group
- American Airlines
Florida State University (FSU)
Florida State University (FSU), founded in 1851, is a public research university located in Tallahassee. It is known for its strong programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities. With a commitment to academic excellence and student success, FSU provides students with a supportive and enriching educational experience.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #58 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 42,000 students
Degrees Offered:
FSU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, and education.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 36%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1290.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Research and Academic Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Burt Reynolds (Actor)
- Richard Simmons (Fitness Guru)
- Paul Dirac (Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist)
- Cheryl Hines (Actress)
- Jim Morrison (Musician, The Doors)
Top Employers:
- Florida State University
- Publix Super Markets
- Florida Department of Health
- Deloitte
- HCA Healthcare
University of South Florida (USF)
The University of South Florida (USF), founded in 1956, is a public research university located in Tampa. It is known for its diverse student body, strong research programs, and commitment to community engagement. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, USF provides students with a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #103 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 50,000 students
Degrees Offered:
USF offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 43%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1255.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
- Research and Academic Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini (Former Professional Boxer)
- Dick Vitale (Basketball Analyst)
- Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart (Former Professional Wrestler)
- Peter Meinke (Poet)
- Tino Martinez (Former MLB Player)
Top Employers:
- University of South Florida
- Moffitt Cancer Center
- Tech Data Corporation
- Tampa General Hospital
- Publix Super Markets
Florida International University (FIU)
Florida International University (FIU), founded in 1965, is a public research university located in Miami. It is known for its diverse student population, strong programs in business and engineering, and commitment to community engagement. With a focus on innovation and global perspective, FIU provides students with a dynamic and inclusive educational experience.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #218 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 58,000 students
Degrees Offered:
FIU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, and hospitality management.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 59%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1220.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
- Research and Academic Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Andy Garcia (Actor)
- Pitbull (Rapper)
- Tatyana Ali (Actress)
- David Samson (Former President of the Miami Marlins)
- Jacqueline Charles (Journalist)
Top Employers:
- Florida International University
- Baptist Health South Florida
- Carnival Corporation & plc
- Royal Caribbean Group
- com
Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Florida Atlantic University (FAU), founded in 1961, is a public research university located in Boca Raton. It is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and the sciences. With a focus on innovation and community engagement, FAU provides students with opportunities for academic excellence and personal growth.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #230 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 30,000 students
Degrees Offered:
FAU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, and education.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 60%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1190.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
- Research and Academic Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Frank T. Brogan (Former Lieutenant Governor of Florida)
- Cheryl Little (Human Rights Attorney)
- Cris Carter (Former NFL Player)
- Tavolino Della Notte (Restaurateur)
- Ken LaVicka (Sports Broadcaster)
Top Employers:
- Florida Atlantic University
- Office Depot
- Florida Power & Light Company
- ADT Inc.
- Modernizing Medicine
University of Central Florida (UCF)
The University of Central Florida (UCF), founded in 1963, is a public research university located in Orlando. It is known for its strong programs in engineering, hospitality management, and the sciences. With a focus on innovation and student success, UCF provides students with opportunities for academic excellence and professional growth.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #166 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 72,000 students
Degrees Offered:
UCF offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, business, and hospitality management.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 43%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1265.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Research and Academic Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Daniel Tosh (Comedian)
- Cheryl Hines (Actress)
- Brandon Marshall (Former NFL Player)
- Blake Bortles (Former NFL Player)
- Asante Samuel (Former NFL Player)
Top Employers:
- University of Central Florida
- Lockheed Martin
- Walt Disney Company
- Siemens
- Harris Corporation
Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
Nova Southeastern University (NSU), founded in 1964, is a private research university located in Fort Lauderdale. It is known for its strong programs in health sciences, business, and education. With a focus on innovation and professional preparation, NSU provides students with opportunities for academic success and career advancement.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #198 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 20,000 students
Degrees Offered:
NSU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including health sciences, business, education, law, and the arts.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 56%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1205.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
- Research and Academic Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Jacob deGrom (Professional Baseball Player)
- Channing Crowder (Former NFL Player)
- Emily Estefan (Musician)
- Alfonso Ribeiro (Actor)
- Jason Pierre-Paul (NFL Player)
Top Employers:
- Nova Southeastern University
- Memorial Healthcare System
- Broward Health
- AutoNation
- Citrix Systems
Rollins College
Rollins College, founded in 1885, is a private liberal arts college located in Winter Park. It is known for its intimate learning environment, strong emphasis on experiential learning, and picturesque campus. With a commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility, Rollins provides students with a personalized and transformative educational experience.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #1 in Regional Universities South (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 3,000 students
Degrees Offered:
Rollins College offers undergraduate programs in various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, and the humanities.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 68%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1260.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Clubs
- Research and Academic Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Fred Rogers (TV Personality, “Mr. Rogers”)
- Thaddeus Seymour (Former President of Rollins College)
- Jennifer Pharr Davis (Author and Hiker)
- Gary Sain (Former CEO of Visit Orlando)
- Dianne McGrath (Astronaut Candidate)
Top Employers:
- Rollins College
- Walt Disney World Resort
- Universal Orlando Resort
- SunTrust Banks, Inc.
- Lockheed Martin
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), founded in 1991, is a public university located in Fort Myers. It is known for its strong programs in environmental studies, business, and health sciences. With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, FGCU provides students with opportunities for academic success and civic leadership.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #94 in Regional Universities South (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 15,000 students
Degrees Offered:
FGCU offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, and health sciences.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 64%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1185.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports
- Performing Arts Groups
- Research and Academic Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Chris Sale (MLB Pitcher)
- Julien Nizan (Author)
- Alise Post (Olympic BMX Racer)
- Sherwood Brown (Professional Basketball Player)
- Jake Owen (Country Music Singer)
Top Employers:
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Lee Health
- Hertz Corporation
- Chico’s FAS, Inc.
- Gartner, Inc.