Top Universities in Florida

Florida's public university system (State University System of Florida, 12 institutions) is one of the largest in the country. The state also has several nationally ranked private universities.

University of Florida (Gainesville)
Florida's flagship public university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. UF enrolls about 55,000 students and is particularly strong in engineering, business, agriculture, and medicine. The UF Health system is a major research hospital complex. The Gators compete in the SEC in athletics. UF is consistently ranked in the top 10 among public universities nationally.

Florida State University (Tallahassee)
FSU is strong in business, law, film, and the performing arts. The College of Music and the Ringling College of Art and Design (affiliated) give it unusual cultural depth. FSU's meteorology and oceanography programs are among the top in the country. The Seminoles' football program is a perennial SEC competitor.

University of Miami (Coral Gables)
A private research university with particular strength in marine science, medicine, and business. UM's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science is a world leader in oceanography and climate research — logical given Miami's location. The Miller School of Medicine is among the most selective in the state.

University of Central Florida (Orlando)
The largest university in the US by enrollment (~70,000 students). UCF has grown rapidly and has strong programs in hospitality, simulation, aerospace engineering (tied to the space industry), and cybersecurity. Its partnership with the nearby modeling, simulation, and training industry is unique nationally.

University of South Florida (Tampa)
USF is a major research university with notable strength in medicine (USF Health), marine science, public health, and engineering. The Tampa Bay area's business community provides strong internship and employment pipelines.

Florida International University (Miami)
A public research university serving largely first-generation and Hispanic students. FIU has exceptional programs in hospitality, international business, and law.