1. University of Florida (UF)
Overview
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Founded in 1853, the University of Florida (UF) is the state’s flagship public university and one of the top-ranked public institutions in the U.S. UF is renowned for its research, particularly in the fields of engineering, business, law, and agriculture. The university is also known for its highly successful Gators athletics program, especially in football and basketball.
UF is a leader in innovation and consistently ranks among the top schools in terms of research funding.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #28 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 57,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 29%
- Average SAT Score: 1290-1460
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Gators Athletics
- Student Government and leadership programs
- Greek life
- Research and innovation clubs
- Volunteer and service organizations
Famous Alumni
- Tim Tebow – Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback
- Steve Spurrier – Former football coach and Heisman winner
- Bob Graham – Former U.S. Senator and Florida Governor
- Marco Rubio – U.S. Senator
- Emmitt Smith – NFL Hall of Fame running back
Top Employers
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- University of Florida Health
- PwC
- NASA
2. Florida State University (FSU)
Overview
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Founded in 1851, Florida State University (FSU) is a public research institution known for its strong programs in the arts, sciences, law, and business. FSU has earned national recognition for its College of Motion Picture Arts, which produces top talent in film and television. The university’s sports teams, particularly its football program, are also highly competitive.
FSU fosters a vibrant campus culture with a strong emphasis on research, creative expression, and community engagement.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #53 National Universities
- Number of Students: Around 44,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- Average SAT Score: 1220-1350
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Seminoles Athletics
- Student Government Association (SGA)
- Greek life
- Arts and theatre programs
- Research and community service clubs
Famous Alumni
- Burt Reynolds – Actor
- Jim Morrison – Lead singer of The Doors
- Deion Sanders – NFL Hall of Famer
- Charlie Crist – Former Florida Governor
- Rita Coolidge – Grammy-winning singer
Top Employers
- State of Florida
- Deloitte
- General Dynamics
- Florida State University
- JPMorgan Chase
3. University of Miami (UM)
Overview
Location: Coral Gables, Florida
Founded in 1925, the University of Miami (UM) is a private research university known for its programs in business, law, medicine, and marine science. UM is located in the vibrant city of Miami, providing students with unique opportunities for internships and research in various industries. The university’s medical school and marine science programs are particularly well-regarded.
UM is also famous for its Hurricanes sports teams, particularly in football, where it has won multiple national championships.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #55 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 19,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Average SAT Score: 1300-1480
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Hurricanes Athletics
- Research in marine and environmental science
- Greek life
- Cultural and arts organizations
- Volunteer programs and service learning
Famous Alumni
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Actor and former football player
- Sylvester Stallone – Actor and filmmaker
- Ray Liotta – Actor
- Gloria Estefan – Singer and businesswoman
- Michael Irvin – NFL Hall of Famer
Top Employers
- University of Miami Health System
- Baptist Health South Florida
- Carnival Cruise Line
- PwC
- Ryder System
4. University of Central Florida (UCF)
Overview
Location: Orlando, Florida
Founded in 1963, the University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the largest universities in the U.S. by enrollment. UCF is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and hospitality management, with close ties to the aerospace and tourism industries in Orlando. The university also excels in online education and research in fields such as space sciences and healthcare.
UCF’s diverse student body and innovative research initiatives make it a leader in preparing students for high-demand careers.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #124 National Universities
- Number of Students: Over 70,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Average SAT Score: 1170-1340
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Knights Athletics
- Greek life
- Research and innovation clubs
- Student Government Association (SGA)
- Volunteer and community service organizations
Famous Alumni
- Daniel Tosh – Comedian and TV host
- Marcus Jordan – Former basketball player and businessman
- Shane McClanahan – MLB pitcher
- Cheryl Hines – Actress
- Dante Culpepper – Former NFL quarterback
Top Employers
- Lockheed Martin
- Walt Disney World
- Siemens
- Northrop Grumman
- AdventHealth
5. Florida International University (FIU)
Overview
Location: Miami, Florida
Founded in 1965, Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university that serves as a major educational hub for South Florida. FIU is known for its strong programs in business, law, engineering, and international relations. The university has a diverse student population and offers numerous opportunities for internships and hands-on learning, especially in the nearby city of Miami.
FIU is also highly regarded for its research in fields like environmental science, public health, and engineering.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #124 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 58,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Average SAT Score: 1110-1280
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Panthers Athletics
- Greek life
- Research and community service clubs
- Student Government Association (SGA)
- Environmental and sustainability initiatives
Famous Alumni
- Dennis Lehane – Novelist (Shutter Island)
- Carlos Arroyo – Professional basketball player
- Andy Garcia – Actor
- Ileana Ros-Lehtinen – Former U.S. Congresswoman
- Danny Pino – Actor
Top Employers
- Miami-Dade County Public Schools
- Florida International University
- Baptist Health South Florida
- American Airlines
- Microsoft
6. Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Overview
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
Founded in 1961, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a public research university that offers a wide range of academic programs, with particular strengths in business, nursing, and ocean engineering. FAU is known for its innovative research initiatives, particularly in environmental science and marine studies, given its location near the Atlantic coast.
FAU is committed to diversity and offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in research, internships, and community service.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #277 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 30,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Average SAT Score: 1060-1220
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Owls Athletics
- Marine science and research clubs
- Greek life
- Entrepreneurship and business clubs
- Community service and sustainability programs
Famous Alumni
- Carrot Top – Comedian
- Jeff Atwater – Former Chief Financial Officer of Florida
- Alfred Morris – NFL running back
- Christine Ebersole – Actress and singer
- Anthony Carter – Former NFL player
Top Employers
- Florida Power & Light
- Office Depot
- Florida Atlantic University
- Boeing
- IBM
7. Rollins College
Overview
Location: Winter Park, Florida
Founded in 1885, Rollins College is a private liberal arts college known for its beautiful campus and commitment to academic excellence. Rollins is particularly strong in the arts, business, and social sciences. Its intimate class sizes and personalized education approach allow for close faculty-student engagement, fostering a strong academic community.
Rollins emphasizes leadership and global citizenship, offering students many opportunities for study abroad and community service.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #1 Regional Universities South
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Average SAT Score: 1190-1380
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Tars Athletics
- Study abroad programs
- Greek life
- Arts and theatre productions
- Community service and social justice clubs
Famous Alumni
- Fred Rogers – Creator of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
- Anthony Perkins – Actor (Psycho)
- Donald Cram – Nobel Prize-winning chemist
- Elinor Ostrom – Nobel Prize-winning political economist
- Buddy Ebsen – Actor
Top Employers
- Walt Disney Company
- Darden Restaurants
- Lockheed Martin
- Rollins College
- Bank of America
8. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Overview
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Founded in 1926, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private university specializing in aviation and aerospace education. Known as the leading institution in these fields, Embry-Riddle offers programs in aeronautical science, engineering, and aviation management. The university is closely linked to the aviation and aerospace industries, providing students with hands-on training and internship opportunities.
Embry-Riddle also has a strong focus on cybersecurity and space exploration, with advanced research facilities for these disciplines.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #6 Regional Universities South
- Number of Students: About 9,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Average SAT Score: 1160-1360
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Flight training and aviation clubs
- Aerospace engineering societies
- ROTC and military programs
- Research in cybersecurity and space science
- Eagles Athletics
Famous Alumni
- Nicole Stott – NASA astronaut
- Ronald D. Sugar – Former CEO of Northrop Grumman
- Daniel Webster – U.S. Congressman
- John Dunkin – Personal pilot for Donald Trump
- Troy Bradley – World record-holding balloonist
Top Employers
- Boeing
- NASA
- Lockheed Martin
- Delta Air Lines
- Northrop Grumman
9. Stetson University
Overview
Location: DeLand, Florida
Founded in 1883, Stetson University is a private university with a strong emphasis on liberal arts and professional education. Stetson is well-known for its law school, located in Gulfport, and its programs in business, music, and environmental science. The university’s small class sizes allow for individualized attention, and it fosters a close-knit academic community.
Stetson is recognized for its commitment to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and global citizenship.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #4 Regional Universities South
- Number of Students: Approximately 4,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Average SAT Score: 1090-1270
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Stetson Hatters Athletics
- Greek life
- Music and theatre productions
- Environmental and sustainability clubs
- Student Government Association (SGA)
Famous Alumni
- Jim Morrison – Lead singer of The Doors
- Max Cleland – Former U.S. Senator
- Louis DeJoy – U.S. Postmaster General
- Anthony Sabatini – Florida State Representative
- Sandra Hunt – FIFA soccer referee
Top Employers
- Stetson University
- AdventHealth
- State of Florida
- Merrill Lynch
- The Walt Disney Company
10. Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
Overview
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Founded in 1964, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private research university known for its programs in healthcare, law, business, and education. NSU is particularly strong in medical and health sciences, offering programs in nursing, pharmacy, and dentistry. The university is committed to providing hands-on clinical experiences for students in healthcare fields.
NSU’s innovative curriculum and research in fields like biotechnology and cybersecurity make it a leader in preparing students for fast-growing industries.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #219 National Universities
- Number of Students: Around 20,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Average SAT Score: 1040-1260
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Sharks Athletics
- Research in healthcare and biotechnology
- Greek life
- Student Government Association (SGA)
- Community service and volunteering programs
Famous Alumni
- Tiffany Chan – Professional golfer
- Ron DeSantis – Governor of Florida
- Jared Moskowitz – Florida State Representative
- Alfonso Valiente – Entrepreneur
- Carlos Asuaje – MLB player
Top Employers
- Cleveland Clinic Florida
- Memorial Healthcare System
- Nova Southeastern University
- Bank of America
- PwC