Best Colleges in Florida

“The Sunshine State” and home to 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida is a state run on tourism with a subtropical-to-tropical climate. The wide variety of colleges in Florida include the 12 in the State University System of Florida, the 28 community colleges and state colleges in the Florida College System, and numerous religiously-affiliated institutions. The oldest recognized institution in the Alligator State is Rollins College, founded in 1885. While, of course, Florida is home to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, it also claims several unique attractions, such as Solomon’s Castle in Ona, The Dali Museum, the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach, and Falling Waters State Park.

How Were the Top Schools in Florida Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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Johnson University Florida is a private, 4-year institution established in the city of Kissimmee. The college offers a number of undergraduate and graduate programs, with its undergraduate programs involving both a Biblical and Arts & Sciences core...

“…

It has been a great first semester. As I completed the course material throughout this fall semester of 2011, there was much material covered that I already knew but was presented as a great refreshment.

” – Ruben from Kissimmee, FL
Barry University

Founded in 1940 in Miami, Florida, Barry University offers over a hundred bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Our personalized, values-based education centered on experiential learning gives our students the tools and real-world...

“…

This School excels in every program that they provide. Barry makes sure that you learn everything that you need to learn that will help you in future classes and in your career. Teachers are always there to help you and they allow questions at...

” – C.Symoane
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Trinity College of Florida is a private, Christ-centered institution established in New Port Richey, Florida. Trinity offers 16 traditional undergraduate degree programs and three degree completion programs, with areas of study including Advanced...

“…

The courses are very beneficial for those wishing to go into ministry, and it's definitely God glorifying.

” – Austin from Brandon, FL
Florida Polytechnic University

Located along central Florida’s I-4 tech corridor, Florida Polytechnic University is the state’s only STEM-focused public university. Florida Poly confers undergraduate degrees in six STEM fields of study and is also home to a Division of Arts...

“…

Outstanding facilities.

” – Tyler from Minneola, FL
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With a campus located in the historic Tampa College building, Altierus Career College-Tampa is a vocational school and Tampa-based campus of the Altierus system. Altierus-Tampa is home to departments of Healthcare, Trades, and Technology conferring...

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Hodges University is a private school in southwestern Florida. The Hodges campus is comprised of five schools that award 18 bachelor’s degrees and 15 associate degrees. Hodges’ immersive ESL program attracts students from over 25 countries. All...

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Hodges University is incredibly well-operated and negotiable. They work with you to come up with whatever is best for you and your life. Hodges University actually cares.

” – Jordan from Nashville, GA
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Originally a training school for Baptist ministers, The Baptist College of Florida is now a 4-year institution offering a Christian worldview-based education. BCF features 18 bachelor’s degree options including Biblical Studies, Christian Studies...

“…

The Baptist College of Florida is a well-rounded and educationally beneficial institution. The college offers many degrees and has great one on one classroom experience. The faculty and staff are well qualified and meet all the needs of the students.

” – Kirstie from Pansey, AL
Florida College
Temple Terrace, FL
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Florida College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in the city of Temple Terrace. The campus serves a small student body and is located twenty minutes outside of Tampa next to the Hillsborough River, alongside which the college...

“…

The Florida College staff is a highly talented group; there are certified geniuses among their number. I found many of the classes very insightful and extremely practical; I have found that the material I have learned in their classes has either...

” – Joshua from Crystal River, FL
Bethune-Cookman University

Formed by the merger of the Cookman Institute and Daytona Normal & Industrial Institute, Bethune-Cookman University is an Historically Black College and University in eastern Florida affiliated with the United Methodist Church. B-CU confers bachelor...

“…

My major is Elementary Education and thus far i have been enjoying every little minute of it. I have learn a lot about my major and i can not wait to return to Bethune Cookman to learn even more. Cookman has so many Majors that stand out but to me...

” – Johnua from Jacksonville, FL
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Everglades University is a 4-year private school in Boca Raton, Florida. US News & World Report ranks Everglades number 52 on its list of Best Regional Colleges in the South. Everglades offers bachelor’s degrees in 11 programs and its Aviation...

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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is the online hub for Embry-Riddle’s distance learning courses. Embry-Riddle Worldwide offers 16 online bachelor’s degrees in seven areas of study, which include Space, Aviation, Engineering, and Applied...

“…

Easy to follow admissions process. One of the highest rated schools for engineering undergraduates. Classes are challenging, but fair. Instructors are professionals and understand that online classes have to compete with life; jobs, family and other...

” – Keith from Clermont, FL
Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College is a public institution with eight campuses based around Miami featuring the largest undergraduate enrollment of any college in the United States. MDC confers bachelor’s degrees in 14 academic fields of study and is home to 79...

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At Miami Dade College you have the ability to learn from professors of all different backgrounds, whom all share a passion for learning and are interested in the well being of their students.

” – Daymaris from Miami, FL
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A member of The Seminaries of Saint Paul, Saint John Vianney College Seminary is a Roman Catholic institution dedicated to training candidates for the priesthood. Saint John Vianney is home to a Priestly Formation program focusing on the four...

St Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College is a public institution that operates multiple small campuses around Pinellas County, Florida. SPC is part of the Florida College System and is recognized as a state college. Popular majors include medical records technician...

“…

There certain classes that should not be taken online, like speech or one you need lots of instruction.

” – Tyler from Clearwater, FL
Trinity Baptist College

Trinity Baptist College is a private institution established on a 140-acre campus in Jacksonville, Florida, that provides a higher education from a Christian worldview. Trinity Baptist offers over 20 academic programs, with 3 programs available fully...

Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Broward College

Broward College is a 2-year community college in Fort Lauderdale and a member of the Florida College System. Broward confers degrees and certificates in over 100 fields of study and makes academic programs available as both day and evening classes...

“…

I've been attending Broward College (formerly known as Broward Community College) for a year and a half now. I have learned a tremendous amount from teachers and classmates at this school. All the teachers I have had are extremely knowledgeable in...

” – Alysia from Coral Springs, FL
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Featuring a campus a short walk from the Atlantic Ocean, Hobe Sound Bible College is a Bible-based Christian College in southeast Florida. Founded in the Wesleyan tradition, HSBC offers degrees in religious fields of study such as Ministerial Studies...

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Florida SouthWestern State College is a 2-year community college in southwest Florida with outreach programs and satellite campuses throughout the state. FSW is home to schools of Arts & Humanities, Business, Science, Education, and Health...

“…

Most of what we talk about in class, you should already know in high school. However, with the more advanced classes (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English Composition), they take you into a deeper world, seeing as you have more to explore certain...

” – Angelica from Fort Myers, FL
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The University of Florida Online is an internet-only campus of the UF system. UF Online provides the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in 19 fields of study and all degrees are the same as those earned on any UF campus. As part of the Florida...

Valencia College

Founded in 1967, Valencia College is a 2-year community college with eight campuses in the Orlando metro area. On top of offering more than 120 associate degree-granting programs, Valencia confers five bachelor’s degrees in Nursing, Electrical and...

“…

Valencia is an awesome college. I can learn well in the environment they have created. Their environment is friendly and fun. The teachers are experienced and are eager to impart their knowledge. If I have any problems, they have tutors and workshops...

” – Heather from Orlando, FL