Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024

Badge for BEST IN FLORIDA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

10 Best Grad Schools in Florida

Sort by:
  1. University of Florida
  2. University of Miami
  3. Florida State University
  4. University of Central Florida
  5. University of South Florida
  6. Florida International University
  7. Florida Atlantic University
  8. Florida Institute of Technology
  9. Florida A&M University
  10. Nova Southeastern University
  1. University of Florida
  2. University of Miami
  3. Florida State University
  4. University of South Florida
  5. Florida International University
  6. University of Central Florida
  7. Florida Atlantic University
  8. Rollins College
  9. Florida A&M University
  10. Nova Southeastern University
  1. Keiser University 97%
  2. Florida Atlantic University 81%
  3. Lynn University 80%
  4. Saint Leo University 80%
  5. Nova Southeastern University 76%
  6. Florida Gulf Coast University 74%
  7. University of North Florida 71%
  8. St. Thomas University 65%
  9. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach 65%
  10. Florida Institute of Technology 64%
  1. University of Central Florida 29 to 1
  2. Southeastern University 27 to 1
  3. Florida International University 24 to 1
  4. Florida Atlantic University 22 to 1
  5. University of South Florida 22 to 1
  6. University of West Florida 22 to 1
  7. Florida Gulf Coast University 20 to 1
  8. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 19 to 1
  9. University of North Florida 19 to 1
  10. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach 18 to 1
  1. University of Miami $57,194
  2. Rollins College $56,110
  3. Florida Institute of Technology $43,670
  4. Lynn University $41,550
  5. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach $40,564
  6. Florida Southern College $40,500
  7. Nova Southeastern University $36,300
  8. St. Thomas University $33,760
  9. Barry University $32,500
  10. Southeastern University $30,148
  1. University of Miami $41,580
  2. Keiser University $30,032
  3. Rollins College $26,351
  4. Florida Institute of Technology $22,338
  5. Nova Southeastern University $22,062
  6. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach $19,488
  7. Saint Leo University $18,436
  8. Barry University $17,820
  9. Florida Southern College $17,765
  10. St. Thomas University $14,400
  1. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
  2. Southeastern University
  3. Lynn University
  4. St. Thomas University
  5. Saint Leo University
  6. Florida Gulf Coast University
  7. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
  8. Keiser University
  9. Florida Southern College
  10. University of West Florida
  1. Southeastern University
  2. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
  3. St. Thomas University
  4. Lynn University
  5. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
  6. Keiser University
  7. Florida Gulf Coast University
  8. Saint Leo University
  9. University of West Florida
  10. Florida Southern College
  1. University of Miami 19%
  2. University of Florida 23%
  3. Florida State University 25%
  4. Florida A&M University 33%
  5. University of Central Florida 41%
  6. University of South Florida 44%
  7. University of West Florida 48%
  8. Rollins College 50%
  9. Florida Southern College 57%
  10. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 58%
  1. Rollins College 11 to 1
  2. Barry University 12 to 1
  3. University of Miami 13 to 1
  4. Florida A&M University 14 to 1
  5. Florida Institute of Technology 14 to 1
  6. Florida Southern College 14 to 1
  7. Keiser University 15 to 1
  8. University of Florida 16 to 1
  9. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  10. Florida State University 17 to 1
  1. Florida Atlantic University $2,522
  2. Florida A&M University $3,152
  3. University of West Florida $3,735
  4. University of North Florida $3,996
  5. Florida Gulf Coast University $4,191
  6. University of Florida $4,477
  7. University of Central Florida $4,478
  8. University of South Florida $4,559
  9. Florida State University $4,640
  10. Florida International University $4,721
  1. Florida Atlantic University $5,467
  2. University of Central Florida $6,916
  3. Florida Gulf Coast University $6,974
  4. University of West Florida $7,088
  5. Florida A&M University $8,019
  6. University of South Florida $8,350
  7. University of North Florida $8,570
  8. Florida International University $9,119
  9. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $9,276
  10. Florida State University $9,684

Key Takeaways

  • Florida has significantly improved its education sector under the leadership of Ron DeSantis.
  • There are numerous options for top-rated grad schools in Florida, including public universities, private colleges, research universities, and small colleges.
  • Going to graduate school is challenging, but after you decide the path you wish to pursue, the personal and professional benefits you gain after graduation make the investment worth it.

Florida and Its Numerous Top-Rated Grad Schools

If you’re considering going to graduate school, you most likely have a clear idea of the benefits of additional education. With an advanced degree, you open more career options. Today, having a bachelor’s degree alone is often not enough to help you stand out in the job market. This is why pursuing a graduate degree is more important than ever.

In Florida, the higher education system consists of both private and public schools, including the State University System of Florida (SUSF). In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked Florida the third best state for education and was continuously improving literacy in younger students.

Why You Need to Enroll in a Graduate School

As you start scouting for graduate schools across Florida, you must first understand why you should consider enrolling in graduate studies program. Let’s dive into the major impacts a graduate school can have on your life—both personally and professionally.

Personal Benefits

You become a lifelong learner: As technology and culture are constantly progressing, you must take the relevant steps to keep up with new developments.

To become a lifelong learner, you need to constantly strive to master new skills, and going to graduate school is a perfect way to direct this pursuit of knowledge. Once you enroll in graduate studies, you will eventually become an expert in a specific field and be introduced to different opinions and viewpoints that may differ from yours. This type of exposure is an advantage to both personal and professional improvement.

Personal Accomplishment: Earning a graduate degree significantly boosts your confidence. When you can prove your ability and knowledge to complete what you’ve started with your degree, and demonstrate your dedication, understanding, skills, and knowledge.

Lifestyle Changes: A graduate degree increases earnings potential and expands your career options, which translates to more financial freedom.

Professional Benefits

Increased Salary: Someone with a graduate degree has greater earning potential than someone who only holds a bachelor’s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a master’s degree holder can take home $11,000 more annually than one with a bachelor’s degree. If you continue on to earn your doctorate, that’s roughly an additional $27,000 annual salary.

Career Advancement: Those looking for better career opportunities should start gaining more skills through a graduate program. This additional education gives you a better and more competitive edge over somebody with an equal amount of experience but less education under their belt.

Careerbuilder.com asserted that 33% of employers prefer workers with a master’s degree for positions previously taken by four-year degree holders.

Employment Opportunities: Many industries look for highly-educated professionals. While there are certainly jobs available for those with a bachelor’s degree, the fastest-growing careers usually require a graduate degree.

Networking: You will have many opportunities for networking in grad school. You will study and research alongside a group of students and work closely with your professors.

This will allow you to build relationships that will help you thrive in your field. You may also qualify for an apprenticeship or research opportunity, or better yet, find a post-graduate job waiting for you even before you complete your graduate studies.

Colleges and Universities in Florida

The state of Florida offers a wealth of options for students seeking both traditional and online degree programs. With more than 40 public and 50 private schools, prospective students can earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from an extremely wide variety of brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Florida.

Colleges in Florida are also uniquely affordable, with the state average tuition of $6,360 falling well under the national average. Among the most popular disciplines in Florida are anthropology, nursing, law, religious studies, and earth sciences. Many of these valuable degrees are available through online courses and fully online degree programs.

Indeed, nearly 40 colleges and universities in Florida offer online degrees. These online degree programs offer flexibility, convenience and accessibility. Make sure to choose an online degree program with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Among the largest colleges in Florida is Miami Dade College. This public college is home to over 165,000 students across eight campuses and 21 outreach centers as well as various excellent online degree programs. Miami Dade College also offers an extremely affordable in-state tuition of $3,000.

Students seeking a religious school can choose from 21 colleges and universities that are grounded in Judeo-Christian, Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, and Christian principles. Ranked as the top two schools, the University of Florida (UF) and Florida State University (FSU) both have large student populations, with just over 45,000 at UF and just under 39,000 as FSU. Both are also affordable, with tuition at $6,000 and $7,000, respectively.

At $50,000, the University of Miami is the most expensive private college in the state and has graduated influential people such as Gene Roddenberry, Sylvester Stallone, and Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Florida also offers its nursing students up to $4,000 in financial aid through their Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Coastal cities, sandy beaches, orange groves, and vibrant flowers - it’s no wonder Florida is called The Sunshine State. Home to the famous Everglades National Park and Disney World, Florida also boasts 90 higher education institutes.

With so many options for both traditional and online colleges in Florida, this state has a lot to offer higher education students. Check out Florida’s best degree programs and top career paths.


What are Florida’s Colleges & Universities?

Florida’s Best Overall


Florida's Best Grad Schools Badge
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There are 23 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Florida. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Florida is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Florida’s Best Graduate Schools

  1. #1

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #2 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #3 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $16,220
    Starting Salary: $65,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Florida known for?

    University of Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Miami

    Coral Gables , FL
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Florida 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Miami

    Cost of Degree: $59,926
    Expenses: $28,514
    Starting Salary: $72,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Miami known for?

    University of Miami’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #24 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,517
    Expenses: $20,296
    Starting Salary: $53,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida State University known for?

    Florida State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Central Florida

    Orlando , FL
    #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #7 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    82K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,368
    Expenses: $18,300
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Central Florida known for?

    University of Central Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of South Florida

    Tampa , FL
    #21 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    59K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of South Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,410
    Expenses: $19,215
    Starting Salary: $48,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of South Florida known for?

    University of South Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $6,565
    Expenses: $19,406
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida International University known for?

    Florida International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Florida Atlantic University

    Boca Raton , FL
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Florida 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $4,879
    Expenses: $19,966
    Starting Salary: $48,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida Atlantic University known for?

    Florida Atlantic University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #9 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $37,080
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $55,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Nova Southeastern University known for?

    Nova Southeastern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Rollins College

    Winter Park , FL
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Florida 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Rollins College

    Cost of Degree: $58,300
    Expenses: $19,960
    Starting Salary: $53,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rollins College known for?

    Rollins College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of North Florida

    Jacksonville , FL
    #13 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/21

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Florida

    Cost of Degree: $5,964
    Expenses: $16,944
    Starting Salary: $49,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Florida known for?

    University of North Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  17. #15

    Florida Southern College

    Lakeland , FL
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Florida 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Florida 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Southern College

    Cost of Degree: $42,360
    Expenses: $18,440
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida Southern College known for?

    Florida Southern College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #10 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs #2 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for degree at Keiser University

    Cost of Degree: $24,136
    Expenses: $26,450
    Starting Salary: $35,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Keiser University known for?

    Keiser University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Florida Gulf Coast University

    Fort Myers , FL
    #5 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #10 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025 #14 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Gulf Coast University

    Cost of Degree: $6,118
    Expenses: $17,614
    Starting Salary: $45,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida Gulf Coast University known for?

    Florida Gulf Coast University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo , FL
    #18 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Leo University

    Cost of Degree: $28,360
    Expenses: $21,388
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Leo University known for?

    Saint Leo University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  23. #20

    St. Thomas University

    Miami Gardens , FL
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2024 #13 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025 #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Thomas University

    Cost of Degree: $34,770
    Expenses: $17,957
    Starting Salary: $60,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Thomas University known for?

    St. Thomas University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Lynn University

    Boca Raton , FL
    #8 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida #12 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025 #15 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Lynn University

    Cost of Degree: $42,950
    Expenses: $26,888
    Starting Salary: $46,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lynn University known for?

    Lynn University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach

    Daytona Beach , FL
    #7 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach

    Cost of Degree: $42,304
    Expenses: $20,632
    Starting Salary: $70,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach known for?

    Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
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Florida’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of Florida
  2. University of Miami
  3. Florida State University
  4. Nova Southeastern University
  5. University of South Florida
  6. Florida International University
  7. University of Central Florida
  8. Florida Institute of Technology
  9. Barry University
  10. Florida Atlantic University
  11. St. Thomas University
  12. Rollins College
  13. Florida A&M University
  14. University of West Florida
  15. Jacksonville University
  16. Lynn University
  17. Saint Leo University
  18. University of North Florida
  19. New College of Florida
  20. Stetson University
  21. Florida Southern College
  22. Ave Maria University
  23. Bethune–Cookman University
  24. Palm Beach Atlantic University
  25. Southeastern University
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