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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Polk State College is a public 4-year college based in Winter Haven, Florida. Polk State College is committed to diversity and has partnerships with the National Council on Black American Affairs and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and...

“…

This college has wonderful teachers who are willing to help each student and they really care about you.

” – Faith from Bartow, FL
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One of two mainland campuses in the PUPR system, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico-Orlando is a university specializing in business and technical subjects. PUPR Orlando offers degrees and certificates in 12 fields of study in the business...

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Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico-Miami is a business and technology-centered university and a regional campus of the PUPR system in the continental United States. PUPR Miami offers bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Organizational...

Seminole State College of Florida

Seminole State College of Florida offers more than 200 programs including bachelor's degrees, two-year college-credit degrees (A.A., A.S., A.A.S.) and specialized career certificates. Seminole State, part of the public Florida College System, is...

“…

All of the teacher's I have had in the past two semesters have been really good. At first I felt like I was back in high school, but it was just a mental thing because that's what everyone said the school was like. Once I started attending classes...

” – Sarah from Oviedo, FL
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The College of Central Florida is a public institution and member of the Florida College System. The school operates campuses in Levy, Marion, and Citrus counties. It is home to a 103-acre Vintage Farm and the Appleton Museum of Art. The College of...

“…

Its very clean and beautiful campus with lots of place to go and study in quiet. Its up to date with its computer labs and technology. Finally it is a wonderful school for those who want an education and do not have a lot of money.

” – Edwin from Ocala, FL
Tallahassee Community College

Tallahassee Community College is a public institution situated in Tallahassee, Florida. TCC offers associate’s degrees and professional certificates in a wide range of studies, as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. It is a member of the...

“…

Just because this is a community college does not mean you won't learn a lot! The teachers here are wonderful and, just like any other teacher, they are here for you and want you to strive to do your best. They are always offering help after classes...

” – Brittany from Tallahassee, FL
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Indian River State College is an institution of higher learning based in Fort Pierce, Florida. IRSC has an open door admissions policy and offers a dual-enrollment program for high school students. The school also provides classes for adults who have...

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Professors are very educated and experienced in their fields! Also, tons of ways to get help or more info in classes that you are struggling in.

” – Crista from Fort Pierce, FL
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Miami International University of Art & Design is a school of design, fashion, and media arts and a campus of The Art Institutes. MIU confers degrees in six design-based academic programs such as Interior Design, Animation, and Marketing. In addition...

Daytona State College

Daytona State College is a 2-year community college in eastern Florida. Daytona State hosts colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Health granting degrees and certificates. Additionally, DSC is home to the Advanced Technology College allowing...

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I can't believe how easy it's been to go back to school. Daytona State (currently at the Deltona Campus) has practically held my hand, and walked me through enrollment.

” – Donna from Deltona, FL
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Founded in 1933, Palm Beach State College is a 2-year community college in south Florida and the first community college in the state. PBSC offers bachelor’s degrees in Nursing, Supervision & Management, and Information Management as well as numerous...

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Obviously the type of learning environment created varies from professor to professor, but one can always expect small class sizes. 

Many of the courses considered to be high risk (those that have a greater percent of students withdrawing or...

” – Stephanie from Loxahatchee, FL
Full Sail University

Originally founded as an Ohio-based recording studio, Full Sail University is a for-profit private school of entertainment and media studies in the Orlando metro area. Full Sail confers degrees and certificates in 93 fields of study encompassing...

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They jam in as much information as possible into your brain in less then 2 years. I hope your not lazy, don't mind missing sleep and love caffeine ^_^ your going to need it.

” – Lauren from Wasingtion, DC
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Trinity International University Florida is a Christian liberal arts college and campus of the TIU system in southeast Florida. TIU Florida consists of two campuses offering seven bachelor’s degree programs. All courses at TIU Florida are Christ...

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South Florida State College is a public, 4-year institution established in Avon Park, with satellite campuses located in Arcadia, Bowling Green, and Lake Placid. SFSC offers over 60 academic programs, which award associate’s degrees, college credit...

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South Florida Community College is a great campus to be a student on. It has a community feel to it than most big universities because most of the students that go here have grown up with each other most of their lives. South Florida Community...

” – Jenha from Sebring, FL
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Florida Institute of Technology-Online is the internet campus of the Florida Tech system. Florida Tech Online offers bachelor’s and associate’s degrees in 16 academic fields of study entirely on the web. All online undergraduate programs are designed...

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Southern Technical College is a school of vocational and healthcare science training with seven campuses throughout Florida. Southern Technical confers degrees and certificates in seven career-centered fields of study. Additionally, Southern...

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South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary is a Christian institution that utilizes The Bible as a foundation for all educational programs. SFBC offers four theologically-based bachelor’s degree programs in fields such as Biblical Studies...

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North Florida Community College is a 2-year community college serving a six county area. NFCC is home to six academic departments hosting degree and certificate-granting academic programs. The college’s Astronomy department holds classes in the...

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A small warm, college with colossal opportunities. Approachable staff whom are always eager to help. Small classes for a close, bond-building experience.

” – Mariela from Jennings, FL
Pensacola State College

Pensacola State College is a public community college and member of the Florida College System. The school offers associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as a number of professional certificates. Students earning an associate’s degree from...

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This is a great college to go to if you are from this area and want to stay home. It's not as expensive as most colleges and the teachers are really nice, and the class times work around your schedule. They have a big selection of degrees and classes...

” – Kimberly from Pace, FL
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Chipola College is a public institution established on a rural campus in Marianna, Florida. Chipola awards a variety of associate’s degrees, college credit certificates, workplace development certificates, and industry-related certificates, as well...

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The new bookstore is awesome! I also love the recent changes in the cafeteria! The Ace Lab is great too!

” – April from Chipley, FL
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Founded by Spanish American Basic Education & Rehabilitation, Inc, SABER College is a vocational school of physical therapy in Miami. SABER College offers a Physical Therapy Assistant program combining classroom theory and clinical experience to...