Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Florida Ranks #1 for Higher Education for 10th Consecutive Year

GAINESVILLE, Fla.-Today, Governor DeSantis announced Florida ranks #1 in Higher Education by U.S. News & World Report for the tenth consecutive year. Florida has held the number one spot in higher education for offering the lowest in-state tuition and fees, graduating students on time, and ensuring students complete their degrees with minimal to no debt. Florida remained #1 for lowest tuition and fees and rose to #1 for 4-year college graduation rates.

"Florida has held the #1 spot in higher education for ten years in a row and we have much more to do," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "Florida's public universities offer the lowest in-state tuition in the country, allowing students to receive a quality education without a massive debt burden. More than three-quarters of Florida students graduate loan-free, and we ranked #1 for four-year graduation rates. With seven Florida institutions in the top 100 public universities nationwide, we've proven that academic achievement does not have to break the bank."

For the 2026 rankings, Florida has placed a record-breaking seven institutions in the top 100 public universities nationwide. This puts Florida in the top 2 states for number of public institutions ranked in the top 100 in the nation. Additionally, seven Florida institutions rank in the top 100 for best public colleges for veterans nationwide.

University Highlights that Support the State University System include:

University of Florida ranked:

• #7 among public universities nationwide and has been in the top 10 for eight consecutive years.
• #30 among all universities, public and private.
• UF excels through research with more than 400 patents produced in the past three years and annual research expenditures exceeding $1 billion.
• #1 public university in the nation for graduating students on time, providing the lowest net cost, and impacting salary performance after graduation by the Wall Street Journal.

University of South Florida ranked:

• #43 among public universities nationwide-up 2 spots from the previous year.
• #12 best value public universities in the nation.
• #19 most innovative schools in the nation.

Florida Atlantic University made its debut on the top 100 public universities list for 2026 (#100)-up three spots from the previous year.

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University ranked:

• #92 among public universities nationwide.
• #1 public HBCU in the nation for seven consecutive years.

Florida International University ranked:

• #46 among public universities nationwide.
• #1 in the nation for upward economic mobility.
  

New College of Florida ranked:

• #10 among public liberal arts colleges nationwide.

Florida Polytechnic University ranked:

• #1 for regional public colleges in the South for five consecutive years.
• #2 regional college among both public and private universities.
• #3 best value public schools in the South.
  

Florida State University ranked:

• #21 among public universities nationwide-up 2 spots from the previous year.
• #12 public universities in the nation for first-year experiences.
  

University of Central Florida ranked:

• #57 among public universities nationwide-up 4 spots from the previous year.
  

University of West Florida ranked:

• #6 for regional public universities in the South-up 4 spots from the previous year.