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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Ringling College of Art and Design

The Ringling College of Art and Design is a private college focused on the creative arts in western Florida. Ringling College confers bachelor’s degrees in 14 artistic subjects such as Entertainment Design, Visual Studies, and Illustration and the...

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Having only finished my freshmen year, I have only learned what Ringling taught me for their 1st year CORE Studio program, which is drawing (still lifes, etc), figure drawing, 3D studio, 2D art, color, history, and others based on your major. Mine...

” – Phillip from Punta Gorda, FL
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Founded in 1879, Florida Memorial University is an HBCU affiliated with the Baptist Church. It is a member of the United Negro College Fund and offer pre-college youth programs focused on the academic future of surrounding community members. A...

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fmu is a great university i really enjoy the things i achieved since i been here

” – Latifah from Tampa, FL
Florida Atlantic University

With campus a short distance from the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Atlantic University is a 4-year public university in southeast Florida. FAU houses 10 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 170 fields of study. In addition to...

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This University has an extremely high academic level. Professors are dedicated, and provide their students with all necessary material for them to have a complete understanding of their subject. 
Many classes include discussions, or online sections...

” – Samantha from Coral Springs, FL
Ave Maria University

Founded by the creator of Domino’s Pizza, Ave Maria University is a Catholic liberal arts college in southwest Florida. Ave confers bachelor’s degrees in 33 academic majors and all classes focus on creating dedicated followers of Jesus Christ. As a...

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Ave Maria is semi difficult to get in because the academics are vigorous and the school is excellent in the liberal arts area. If you are considering pursuing a career in law, I suggest you check Ave Maria University out. The law program here is...

” – Kristin from Mason, OH
Southeastern University

Originally founded as the Alabama Shield of Faith Institute, Southeastern University is a Christ-centered liberal arts college in central Florida affiliated with the Assemblies of God Church. Southeastern grants bachelor’s degrees in more than 70...

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I think the academic program there is rated highly

” – Victoria from Ocala, FL
Florida Gulf Coast University

Situated between the Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution in southwest Florida. FGCU hosts Colleges of Business, Education, Arts & Sciences, Health, and Engineering conferring undergraduate degrees...

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I love the learning environment, the class sizes are relatively small and the professors i had , have been reachable and easy to talk to.

” – Joni-marie from Coral Springs, FL
Webber International University

Webber International University is a private institution situated in Babson Park, FL, and has been labeled a "Best in the Southeast" and a "Best Value" college by The Princeton Review. Considered a business university, Webber has a focus on...

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Yes. You will learn a lot about getting ahead in the business world, running a business and even just gaining a job in this tough economy. I have taken may classes that helped prepare me for job interviews and how to handle myself in the workplace. I...

” – Dallas from Haines City, FL
Jacksonville University

Named an “America’s Best College” in the south for more than 10 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report, Jacksonville University is a premier private institution in northeast Florida. Founded in 1934, JU offers more than 100 majors, minors, and...

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My classes are amazing! The teachers are very responsive to the students and don't mind you asking question if you don't understand something. Even if you send them an email, it is usually answered within 24 hours. As a Biology student, having the St...

” – Robyn from Jacksonville, FL
University of South Florida-Sarasota-Manatee

USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus is the smallest of the three USF campuses, providing a tight-knit community where students thrive. Students with busy schedules can take advantage of the online course offerings and hybrid programs than blend both online...

Beacon College

Beacon College is a private institution based in Leesburg, Florida. It is the first accredited college to exclusively award degrees to students with learning disabilities and features a strong Career Development program for continued success post...

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I must say Beacon College is focused on learning your learning style for your ability to achieve in the class rooms. The Class sizes are very small 15-8 students per class. Beacon College also goes by a critical thinking method that challenges...

” – Shia from Washington , DC
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a comprehensive collection of programs designed to position students for success in aerospace, aviation, business, security and intelligence, engineering and beyond. Its campus in Daytona Beach, Florida, is...

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As an Aerospace Engineering student I have found that learning at Embry-Riddle is based on your ability to teach yourself. Some professors are less willing to help than others, and often you must ask the right questions to get what you need. You...

” – Meagan from Hagerstown, MD
Lynn University

Welcome to Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. This is college reimagined. At Lynn, you’ll find a whole new style of teaching and learning—and a campus where you can discover your own style. From intellectual to athletic, musical to political...

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Lynn University is by far the most diverse college campus I have ever been to. There are people ranging from Boston, Massachusetts all the way to Pakistan. I rate Lynn University a ten out of ten, here you are not a number you are a student that is...

” – Erik from Billerica, MA
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Talmudic University of Florida is a Jewish Yeshiva in Miami Beach with a focus on studying Torah tradition and values. Talmudic University is home to Yeshiva Bais Moshe Chaim, an all-male institute of higher education. The Yeshiva’s Bachelor of...

St. Thomas University

St Thomas University is a private institution located in Miami Gardens, Florida. STU is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and Archdiocese of Miami, and their institution goal is to “form[] a community of co-learners that teaches and worships...

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Professors are great. Whats best is the same class sizes; they allow for a more personalized education. Plenty of areas of study to choose from, however, the classes in less demand are on rotation so you might have to wait a semester to take a class...

” – STU Bobcat from FL
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Keiser University is a 4-year private school with a main campus in south Florida and satellite campuses throughout the state. Featuring a career-focused curriculum, Keiser confers bachelor’s and graduate degrees in over 100 academic programs. All...

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I learned everything from fingerprinting to using the right tools for analyzing, collecting and preserving evidence. I also learned about police protocol, and the dangers that can occur on the job and how to avoid being in a hazardous situation.

” – lucy from opalocka, FL
AdventHealth University

AdventHealth Univeristy is affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church and is a Christ-centered health science institution dedicated to the concept of healthcare as a ministry. AHU confers associates and bachelor’s degrees in nine health science...

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From the day I started at FHCHS I have been so inspired to do you my heart is set on, and that is to be a Labor and Delivery Nurse. I have learned so much since I started. I learned to think outside of the box and to have different perspective of...

” – Nikita from Maitland, FL
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As the first graduate school of psychology established in the Caribbean and continental North America, Carlos Albizu University Miami is mainland campus of CAU. In addition to its PhD and and undergrad programs in Psychology, the Miami campus also...

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A small and family oriented school. It has Friendly and professional staff with professors working in the field. As well as APA accredited

” – Darielys from Miami, FL
Palm Beach Atlantic University

With campus a short walk from the Atlantic Ocean, Palm Beach Atlantic University is an interdenominational Christian institution in South Florida. PBA is home to seven schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 50 academic majors. As a...

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The teachers are great! they are very willing to help you succeed in class. My first semester teachers were lively and wanted to teach! I cannot wait to see what I get second semester.

” – Brittany from Saint Cloud, FL
Warner University

Warner University is a private liberal arts college associated with the Church of God. The school is based in the rural town of Lake Wales, Florida, and offers students Christ-centered opportunities through mission work and service projects such as...

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The classes that I am required to take as a freshman like University experience and Christian Thought are fairly easy with little homework. The classes and interesting and I'm learning in them. All of the professors are really caring and honestly...

” – Warner student from FL
Edward Waters University

Founded in 1866, Edward Waters College is a private, liberal arts HBCU affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is the oldest private university in Florida. Edward Waters is home to the Schell-Sweet Community Resource Center, which...

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Edward Waters College is special school. The class are small we learn a lot about black history. The teacher really listing the questions students asks.

” – Mariolinda from Orlando, FL