Top Colleges in Florida

Florida is home to a diverse array of colleges and universities, each offering a unique educational experience to its students. From large research institutions to small liberal arts colleges, the state boasts a range of institutions that are nationally recognized for their academic excellence, innovation, and student satisfaction. Among these institutions, several have earned notable rankings and accolades, including Broward College, Flagler College, Florida Southern College, and Eckerd College, each standing out for its achievements in various academic fields.

Broward College, a public community college located in Fort Lauderdale, has consistently ranked among the top community colleges in the United States. In the 2007-2008 academic year, it was ranked No. 3 nationally for the number of associate’s degrees awarded, according to Community College Week. Broward College is known for its commitment to providing accessible higher education opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds. The college offers a range of programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for both immediate employment and further academic pursuits. Broward College’s focus on community engagement, academic support, and workforce development has made it a leader in preparing students for successful careers and transfers to four-year institutions.

Flagler College, a private liberal arts college located in St. Augustine, has earned recognition for its strong academic programs and commitment to student development. The Princeton Review included Flagler College in its 2009 list of "Best 368 Colleges," highlighting the school’s academic rigor and vibrant campus community. One of Flagler’s distinctive offerings is its sport management program, which is the first in Florida to be approved by the Sport Management Program Review Council. This program attracts students interested in pursuing careers in sports management, event planning, and other related fields. Flagler College’s commitment to providing a well-rounded liberal arts education, combined with specialized programs, helps students develop the critical thinking and professional skills needed to excel in a variety of industries.

Florida Southern College, located in Lakeland, is a private college known for its academic quality and commitment to student success. Florida Southern College has been consistently ranked among the Top 10 Southern Comprehensive Colleges-Bachelor’s by U.S. News & World Report. It is featured in The Princeton Review’s Guidebook, “The Best 371 Colleges” (2010 edition), which highlights the institution’s strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and excellent faculty. Florida Southern College is especially well-regarded for its commitment to undergraduate education, with a focus on nurturing students’ intellectual, personal, and professional growth. The college also benefits from its scenic campus, which is home to some of the country’s most iconic architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Students at Florida Southern have access to small class sizes, a supportive academic environment, and opportunities for internships, research, and service learning.

Eckerd College, located in St. Petersburg, is a private liberal arts college that stands out for its international focus and commitment to experiential learning. According to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors 2009 Report on International Educational Exchange, Eckerd College was ranked 6th among baccalaureate institutions for the number of students studying abroad for short-term durations. This ranking underscores Eckerd’s emphasis on global education and provides students with opportunities to expand their worldviews and gain firsthand experience in different cultures. Eckerd College is also the highest-ranked institution in Florida for the number of students who participate in study abroad programs, which speaks to the college’s dedication to fostering a global perspective among its students. Additionally, PC Magazine ranked Eckerd College among the top 20 "wired colleges" in the nation in 2008, recognizing its use of technology and digital resources to enhance the educational experience. The college is also listed in Loren Pope’s trusted Colleges That Change Lives, further solidifying its reputation as an institution that provides transformative educational opportunities.

Each of these colleges offers unique strengths that contribute to Florida’s higher education landscape. Broward College’s focus on community engagement and workforce development, Flagler College’s innovative programs like sport management, Florida Southern College’s strong liberal arts foundation and notable rankings, and Eckerd College’s global perspective and emphasis on study abroad all reflect the diversity of opportunities available to students in Florida. These institutions not only provide high-quality academic programs but also foster environments where students can thrive personally and professionally, preparing them for successful futures in an increasingly interconnected world.

List of Colleges in Florida:

• Brevard Community College
• Broward College
• Central Florida Community College
• Chipola College
• Daytona Beach College
• Edison State College
• Florida State College at Jacksonville
• Florida Keys Community College
• Gulf Coast Community College
• Hillsborough Community College
• Indian River State College
• Lake City Community College
• Lake-Sumter Community College
• Miami Dade College
• North Florida Community College
• Northwest Florida State College
• Palm Beach State College
• Pasco-Hernando Community College
• Pensacola Junior College
• Polk State College
• St. Johns River Community College
• St. Petersburg College
• Santa Fe College
• Seminole State College of Florida
• South Florida Community College
• State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
• Tallahassee Community College
• Valencia Community College
• Baptist College of Florida
• Clearwater Christian College
• Eckerd College
• Florida Christian College
• Florida College
• Florida Southern College
• Hobe Sound Bible College
• Pensacola Christian College
• Reformed Theological Seminary
• Saint John Vianney College Seminary
• South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary
• Tabernacle Bible College and Seminary
• Touro College South
• Trinity College
• Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
• College of Business & Technology
• Digital Media Arts College
• Florida Career College
• Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
• Florida Institute of Technology
• Florida Technical College
• Keiser Career College
• Orlando Culinary Academy
• Ringling College of Art and Design
• Springfield College School of Human Services
• Beacon College
• Edward Waters College
• Flagler College
• International Fine Arts College
• Jones College
• Rasmussen College
• Rollins College
• Virginia College