Florida is a popular destination for many students looking to pursue higher education in the United States. With over 170 colleges and universities in the state, there is no shortage of options for students seeking to further their education in Florida. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top colleges in Florida and what they have to offer.
University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) is a public research university located in Gainesville, Florida. It is the state’s oldest and largest university and is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the country. UF offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 16 colleges and over 150 research centers and institutes. The university is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and agriculture, among others.
Florida State University
Florida State University (FSU) is another top-ranked public research university located in Tallahassee, Florida. FSU offers over 360 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 16 colleges and schools, including the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Engineering. The university is particularly well-known for its programs in law, medicine, and psychology.
The University of South Florida (USF) is a public research university located in Tampa, Florida. With a student body of over 50,000, USF is one of the largest universities in the state. It offers over 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 14 colleges and schools, including the Muma College of Business and the College of Engineering. USF is known for its strong research programs, particularly in areas such as health, sustainability, and cybersecurity. With its vibrant campus life and location in one of Florida’s largest cities, USF provides students with a dynamic and exciting educational experience.
University of Miami
The University of Miami (UM) is a private research university located in Coral Gables, Florida. It is the largest private research university in the state and offers over 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 11 colleges and schools. UM is particularly strong in the areas of business, marine science, and music, among others.
Florida International University
Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. It is the second-largest university in Florida and offers over 190 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 11 colleges and schools, including the College of Business, the College of Engineering and Computing, and the College of Law. FIU is particularly well-known for its programs in international business and hospitality management.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public research university located in Orlando, Florida. It is the largest university in the state by undergraduate enrollment and offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 13 colleges and schools. UCF is known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, and hospitality management, among others.
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a public research university located in Boca Raton, Florida. It offers over 170 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 10 colleges and schools, including the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Engineering and Computer Science. FAU is particularly well-known for its programs in ocean engineering and nursing.
Rollins College
Rollins College is a private liberal arts college located in Winter Park, Florida. It offers over 40 undergraduate majors across a variety of fields, including business, environmental studies, and psychology. Rollins is known for its small class sizes and personalized approach to education.
Stetson University
Stetson University is a private liberal arts university located in DeLand, Florida. It offers over 70 undergraduate majors across a variety of fields, including business, music, and sociology. Stetson is known for its commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is a private research university located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 18 colleges and schools, including the College of Dental Medicine, the College of Law, and the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Nova Southeastern is particularly well-known for its programs in health sciences.
Eckerd College
Eckerd College is a private liberal arts college located in St. Petersburg, Florida. It offers over 40 undergraduate majors across a variety of fields, including environmental studies, international relations, and marine science. Eckerd is known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning and offers a unique program called “Quest,” which allows students to design their own course of study.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university located in Fort Myers, Florida. It offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 6 colleges and schools, including the Lutgert College of Business and the Marieb College of Health and Human Services. FGCU is known for its strong programs in environmental studies and entrepreneurship.
Barry University
Barry University is a private Catholic university located in Miami Shores, Florida. It offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 9 colleges and schools, including the School of Law and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Barry is known for its commitment to social justice and offers a variety of service learning opportunities for students.
Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College is a private liberal arts college located in Lakeland, Florida. It offers over 50 undergraduate majors across a variety of fields, including business, education, and psychology. Florida Southern is known for its stunning campus, which is home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world.
Bethune-Cookman University
Bethune-Cookman University is a private historically Black university located in Daytona Beach, Florida. It offers over 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 4 colleges and schools, including the School of Business and the School of Nursing. Bethune-Cookman is known for its commitment to social justice and provides a supportive community for its diverse student body.
In addition to these top colleges, Florida is also home to a number of excellent community colleges and vocational schools, including Miami Dade College, Valencia College, and Palm Beach State College. These schools offer a more affordable option for students looking to complete their general education requirements before transferring to a four-year university.
Florida offers a wide range of options for students seeking to further their education. Whether you are looking for a large public university or a small private college, Florida has something to offer. With its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse culture, Florida is a great place to live and learn.
