Top Universities in Florida 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition & Admissions Guide
Table of Contents
In 2025, Florida’s universities continue to rank among the best in the nation, offering high-quality education, affordable tuition (especially for in-state students), and exciting internship opportunities in tech, healthcare, tourism, and more. Plus, with campuses full of diverse, international communities, studying in Florida means you’ll learn in and outside the classroom—while enjoying year-round sunshine. Let’s explore your top universities in Florida 2025!
University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) is a top public university located in the vibrant college town of Gainesville. Founded in 1853, it’s one of the oldest and most respected universities in Florida. UF is ranked among the top 5 public universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report (2024) and is home to over 52,000 students. The university offers more than 300 programs in fields like engineering, business, health, science, law, and liberal arts.
UF has a huge 2,000-acre campus with amazing facilities—including research labs, libraries, and sports complexes. It’s also a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and has R1 status, meaning it’s very active in research. With students from over 130 countries, UF is known for being inclusive, innovative, and full of opportunities. Following are the key details of University of Florida:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Gainesville, Florida |
| Year Established | 1853 |
| University Type | Public Research University (R1), Member of AAU |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | #168 globally |
| U.S. News Ranking (National) | #5 Public, #28 Overall |
| Campus Size | Over 2,000 acres |
| Total Enrollment | 52,367 students (2024) |
| Undergraduate Students | ~35,000 |
| Graduate Students | ~17,000 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 |
| Academic Programs | 300+ undergraduate and graduate programs |
| Top Majors | Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Psychology, Biology, Computer Science |
| In-State Tuition | ~$6,380 per year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~24% |
| SAT Range (Middle 50%) | 1320–1470 |
| ACT Range (Middle 50%) | 28–33 |
| Average Starting Salary | ~$55,000 |
| International Students | Students from 130+ countries |
| Campus Life | 1,000+ student clubs, NCAA Division I sports, Greek life, intramurals |
| Research Funding | $1+ billion annually |
| Alumni Network | 450,000+ alumni worldwide |
| Official Website | www.ufl.edu |
Florida State University
Florida State University (FSU) is a well-known public university based in Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city. Founded in 1851, FSU is ranked among the top 20 public universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report (2024) and is popular with both local and international students. FSU offers over 360 programs in different areas like psychology, business, education, and the arts.
The campus covers 485 acres and includes amazing facilities, such as the world’s most powerful magnet lab—the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. With around 44,000 students from more than 130 countries, FSU is a great place to study, make friends, and enjoy student life. You’ll find over 700 student clubs, Division I sports, and a strong sense of community. Following are the key details of Florida State University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Tallahassee, Florida |
| Year Established | 1851 |
| University Type | Public Research University (R1) |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | #461 |
| U.S. News Ranking (Public Universities) | #23 (2024) |
| Campus Size | ~485 acres |
| Total Enrollment | ~43,711 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~32,000 |
| Graduate Students | ~11,700 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 21:1 |
| Number of Programs | Over 360 programs |
| Popular Colleges | College of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Music, Social Sciences |
| Top Majors | Psychology, Business, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Biology, Finance |
| In-State Tuition | ~$5,656 per year |
| Out-of-State Tuition | ~$18,786 per year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~25% |
| SAT Score Range | 1250–1380 |
| ACT Score Range | 27–31 |
| Average Starting Salary | ~$50,000 |
| International Students | From 130+ countries |
| Campus Life | 700+ clubs, NCAA Division I sports, Greek life, arts events |
| Research Strengths | Magnet lab, Biophysics, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering |
| Famous Alumni | Burt Reynolds, Jim Morrison, Cheryl Hines, Paul Dirac |
| Official Website | www.fsu.edu |
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida (USF) is a top public research university located in sunny Tampa. It was founded in 1956 and has quickly become one of the best universities in the country. USF is ranked among the top 50 public universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report (2024) and is known for its strong academics, research, and support for students.
USF has nearly 50,000 students studying at its three campuses: Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. The university offers over 200 degree programs in areas like business, health sciences, engineering, psychology, and more. With modern classrooms, research labs, and cultural centers, USF gives students everything they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. Following are the key details of University of South Florida (USF):
| Category | Details |
| Location | Tampa, Florida |
| Established | 1956 |
| University Type | Public Research University (R1) |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | #561–570 |
| U.S. News Ranking (Public Universities) | #45 |
| Campus Size | 1,646 acres (Tampa campus); 3 campuses total |
| Total Enrollment | ~49,766 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~37,000 |
| Graduate Students | ~13,000 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 22:1 |
| Number of Programs | 200+ degree programs |
| Top Majors | Health Sciences, Business, Psychology, Engineering, Biology |
| Annual Tuition (In-State) | ~$6,410 |
| Annual Tuition (Out-of-State) | ~$17,324 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~44% |
| SAT Score Range | 1240–1370 |
| ACT Score Range | 27–30 |
| Average Starting Salary | ~$48,000 |
| International Students | From 140+ countries |
| Campus Life | 600+ student clubs, NCAA Division I sports, cultural events |
| Research Areas | Biomedical research, engineering, public health, sustainability |
| Research Budget | $692 million (2023) |
| Alumni Network | 380,000+ graduates worldwide |
| Official Website | www.usf.edu |
University of Miami
The University of Miami (UM) is a well-known private university located in Coral Gables, just outside Miami. It was founded in 1925 and is ranked among the top 55 national universities in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report, 2024). UM is also a part of the respected Association of American Universities (AAU), which includes top research universities in North America.
UM has about 19,000 students and offers more than 180 programs in areas like business, law, medicine, marine science, engineering, music, and more. The campus is 239 acres wide and includes beautiful spots like Lake Osceola, modern classrooms, top research labs, and healthcare centers. Following are the key details of University of Miami (UM):
| Category | Details |
| Location | Coral Gables, Florida |
| Established | 1925 |
| University Type | Private Research University (R1), Member of AAU |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | #324 |
| U.S. News Ranking (National) | #55 (2024) |
| Campus Size | 239 acres |
| Total Enrollment | ~19,000 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~12,500 |
| Graduate Students | ~6,500 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 12:1 |
| Programs Offered | 180+ undergraduate and graduate programs |
| Popular Colleges | Business School, School of Law, School of Medicine, College of Engineering, Arts and Sciences, School of Music |
| Top Majors | Business, Biology, Psychology, Nursing, Political Science, Marine Science, Music |
| Tuition & Fees | ~$62,616 per year |
| Average Merit-Based Aid | ~$32,000 |
| SAT Score Range | 1360–1490 |
| ACT Score Range | 31–34 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~19% |
| Average Starting Salary | ~$54,000 |
| International Students | ~7% of undergrads (from 100+ countries) |
| Campus Life | 300+ clubs, D-I sports, music festivals, student media, cultural events |
| Top Research Areas | Marine science, climate studies, medicine, business innovation |
| Research Funding | $413 million (2023) |
| Alumni Network | 200,000+ graduates around the world |
| Famous Alumni | Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Gloria Estefan, Sylvester Stallone (attended), Marco Rubio |
| Official Website | www.miami.edu |
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a large public university located in Orlando, one of Florida’s most exciting cities. Since it opened in 1963, UCF has grown into one of the biggest universities in the U.S., with over 70,000 students. UCF offers more than 240 programs in popular fields like engineering, computer science, business, hospitality, and health sciences. It’s ranked among the top 20 most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report (2024) and has R1 research status, meaning it’s very active in scientific and tech research.
The 1,415-acre main campus has everything students need—modern labs, tech spaces, gyms, dorms, and more. UCF is also close to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many tech companies, so students have great chances for internships and jobs. With over 650 clubs and students from more than 150 countries, UCF offers a lively, supportive, and career-ready environment. Following are the key details of University of Central Florida:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Orlando, Florida |
| Established | 1963 |
| University Type | Public Research University (R1) |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | #801–850 |
| U.S. News Ranking (National) | #124 overall; Top 20 for Innovation |
| Campus Size | 1,415 acres (main campus); 11 regional campuses |
| Total Enrollment | ~70,310 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~60,075 |
| Graduate Students | ~10,235 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 30:1 |
| Programs Offered | 240+ undergraduate and graduate programs |
| Top Majors | Engineering, Computer Science, Psychology, Business, Health Sciences, Nursing |
| Annual Tuition (In-State) | ~$6,368 |
| Annual Tuition (Out-of-State) | ~$22,467 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~43% |
| SAT Range | 1320–1470 |
| ACT Range | 28–33 |
| Average Starting Salary | ~$45,000 |
| International Students | From 150+ countries |
| Campus Life | 650+ clubs, NCAA Division I sports, active Greek life |
| Research Areas | Space science, cybersecurity, optics, health technology |
| Research Funding (2023) | $240+ million |
| Alumni Network | 360,000+ UCF graduates worldwide |
| Famous Alumni | Daniel Tosh, Michelle Akers, Cheryl Hines, Blake Bortles |
| Official Website | www.ucf.edu |
Florida International University
Florida International University (FIU) is a large public university located in Miami. It was founded in 1965 and has grown quickly to become one of the biggest and most respected universities in the U.S. With over 54,000 students, it ranks among the top 15 largest public universities by enrollment. FIU has two main campuses: the 344-acre Modesto A. Maidique Campus and the Biscayne Bay Campus.
It offers more than 200 programs and has amazing facilities like high-tech labs, simulation centers, and even a powerful hurricane simulator called the “Wall of Wind.” Thanks to its Miami location, students have easy access to internships and job opportunities in tech, tourism, finance, healthcare, and government. It’s ranked among the top schools in the U.S. for social mobility, helping students graduate and move into strong careers. Following are the key details of Florida International University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Miami, Florida |
| Established | 1965 |
| University Type | Public Research University (R1) |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | #556 |
| U.S. News Ranking (National) | #124 overall, #3 for Social Mobility |
| Campus Size | 344 acres (Modesto A. Maidique), ~200 acres (Biscayne Bay) |
| Total Enrollment | ~54,000 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~44,000 |
| Graduate Students | ~10,000 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 26:1 |
| Programs Offered | 200+ degree programs |
| Top Majors | Business, Engineering, Psychology, Public Health, Criminal Justice, Biology |
| Annual Tuition (In-State) | ~$6,566 |
| Annual Tuition (Out-of-State) | ~$18,964 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~59% |
| SAT Score Range | 1060–1240 |
| ACT Score Range | 20–26 |
| Average Starting Salary | ~$42,000 |
| International Students | From 130+ countries |
| Campus Life | 300+ student clubs, NCAA sports, concerts, festivals, student media |
| Study Abroad | 60+ countries |
| Top Research Areas | Environmental science, hurricane studies, biomedical engineering, public health |
| Research Budget (2023) | $295+ million |
| Alumni Network | 275,000+ graduates in 160+ countries |
| Famous Alumni | Andy Garcia, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Aimee Carrero, Dennis Lehane |
| Official Website | www.fiu.edu |
Conclusion
From the prestige of the University of Florida and the innovation at UCF to the career-boosting co-ops at Drexel and vibrant campuses like USF and FIU—Florida has something for everyone. No matter your major or goals, you’ll find a university here that’s academically strong, culturally diverse, and full of opportunity.
And don’t forget—once you’ve picked your dream university, you’ll need a comfortable place to live. University Living is your trusted global partner for student accommodation near all major universities in Florida. Whether it’s a shared room, studio, or student apartment, book early and live stress-free during your studies!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best universities in Florida for international students in 2025?
Some of the top universities in Florida for international students in 2025 include:
University of Florida (UF) – Ranked #5 among U.S. public universities and globally respected.
Florida State University (FSU) – Known for strong arts and sciences programs.
University of South Florida (USF) – Offers strong research opportunities and student support.
University of Miami (UM) – A top private university with diverse programs and global reputation.
University of Central Florida (UCF) – One of the largest U.S. universities with innovative programs.
Florida International University (FIU) – Highly ranked for social mobility and urban career access.
Which Florida universities offer the best engineering and computer science programs?
Top choices for engineering and computer science in Florida include:
University of Florida (UF) – Highly ranked for engineering and computer science.
University of Central Florida (UCF) – Known for innovation and tech partnerships.
Florida International University (FIU) – Offers hands-on learning and research.
Carnegie Mellon University (satellite programs in Florida) – If considered broadly, for advanced tech.
What’s student life like in Florida universities?
Student life in Florida is active, diverse, and full of opportunity:
1. 600+ clubs at USF and UCF.
2. D-I sports at major schools like UF, FSU, and UM.
3. Warm weather and beaches are perfect for year-round activities.
4. Access to internships in tourism, healthcare, tech, and business industries.
Do Florida universities offer scholarships to international students?
Yes! Many Florida universities offer merit-based scholarships and assistantships for international students. For example:
1. UF, FSU, and USF offer limited merit scholarships.
2. UM provides generous merit aid (average ~$32,000/year).
3. FIU has competitive international merit scholarships for undergraduates.
Always check each university’s financial aid or international student office for details.
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