Best Private Colleges in Florida 2026

Badge for BEST IN FLORIDA PRIVATE COLLEGES

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Florida.

Key Takeaways

  • Many of the best private colleges in Florida emphasize service-learning and civic engagement, integrating local community partnerships and hands-on experiences into their curricula.
  • The colleges in our ranking often offer unique programs in areas like marine biology, international business, and digital arts, leveraging Florida’s diverse ecosystems and global trade connections.
  • With students from around the world, the best private colleges in Florida celebrate cultural diversity, hosting vibrant international student communities and offering study abroad opportunities that reflect Florida’s global connections.

This ranking identifies the 25 best private colleges and universities in Florida for 2026, drawn from a pool of 38 accredited, nonprofit institutions that offer four‑year bachelor’s degrees. To qualify for inclusion, schools must be private, non‑profit, fully accredited, and offer a broad range of undergraduate programs; see the full pool of 38 private universities considered.

Use this list to compare academic strengths, program breadth, campus size and culture, cost and financial aid patterns, and typical student outcomes so you can match institutional strengths to your priorities. The entries emphasize what sets each campus apart—signature programs, experiential learning, and career alignment—so you can quickly narrow choices and identify schools worth visiting or researching further.

Best Private Colleges and Universities in Florida

  1. #1

    University of Miami

    Coral Gables , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1400/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Miami

    Cost of Degree: $59,926
    Expenses: $28,514
    Starting Salary: $84,093
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Rollins College

    Winter Park , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Rollins College

    Cost of Degree: $58,300
    Expenses: $19,960
    Starting Salary: $64,156
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $37,080
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $66,144
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

    Nova Southeastern University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Human Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Elementary Education ESOL/Reading
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Exceptional Student Education ESOL
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BHSc in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSR in Respiratory Therapy Post-Professional Program
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  4. #4

    Stetson University

    DeLand , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Stetson University

    Cost of Degree: $55,220
    Expenses: $18,929
    Starting Salary: $59,422
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $44,360
    Expenses: $19,140
    Starting Salary: $50,557
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Tampa

    Cost of Degree: $33,424
    Expenses: $18,306
    Starting Salary: $69,272
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #7

    Barry University

    Miami , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Barry University

    Cost of Degree: $33,450
    Expenses: $20,142
    Starting Salary: $64,837
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Barry University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Barry University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BPA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  8. Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Southern College

    Cost of Degree: $42,360
    Expenses: $18,440
    Starting Salary: $60,802
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

  9. #9

    Jacksonville University

    Jacksonville , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Jacksonville University

    Cost of Degree: $46,030
    Expenses: $19,876
    Starting Salary: $77,598
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Jacksonville University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  10. #10

    Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Leo University

    Cost of Degree: $28,360
    Expenses: $21,388
    Starting Salary: $53,366
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

    Saint Leo University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Logistics
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Computer Science Information Assurance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminalistics
    • Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Educational Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Elementary Education Grades K-6
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Religion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Sociology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Applied
    • Clinical
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Care Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Clinical Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Software Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  11. #11

    Eckerd College

    Saint Petersburg , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Eckerd College

    Cost of Degree: $50,374
    Expenses: $18,718
    Starting Salary: $57,875
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #12

    Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    34K

    Career Outlook for degree at Keiser University

    Cost of Degree: $24,136
    Expenses: $26,450
    Starting Salary: $46,472
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Keiser University known for?

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

    Keiser University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Automotive Dealership Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Golf Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cyber Forensics/Information Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Public Saftey Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Applied Engineering
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
  13. #13

    Ave Maria University

    Ave Maria , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Ave Maria University

    Cost of Degree: $28,224
    Expenses: $18,495
    Starting Salary: $56,969
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ave Maria University known for?

    Ave Maria University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  14. #14

    Palm Beach Atlantic University

    West Palm Beach , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $37,990
    Expenses: $20,246
    Starting Salary: $55,772
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Palm Beach Atlantic University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. #15

    St. Thomas University

    Miami Gardens , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Thomas University

    Cost of Degree: $34,770
    Expenses: $17,957
    Starting Salary: $58,912
    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

    St. Thomas University ’s Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Format: Fully online
  16. #16

    Lynn University

    Boca Raton , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Lynn University

    Cost of Degree: $42,950
    Expenses: $26,888
    Starting Salary: $58,891
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

    Lynn University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Aviation Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Aviation Operations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Aviation Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in International Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Professional Pilot
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 43
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communication And Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Air Traffic Control
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  17. #17

    Flagler College

    Saint Augustine , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Flagler College

    Cost of Degree: $26,610
    Expenses: $19,700
    Starting Salary: $54,606
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Flagler College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  18. #18

    Bethune–Cookman University

    Daytona Beach , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bethune–Cookman University

    Cost of Degree: $14,794
    Expenses: $15,146
    Starting Salary: $42,476
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bethune–Cookman University known for?

    Bethune–Cookman University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  19. #19

    Florida Memorial University

    Miami Gardens , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Memorial University

    Cost of Degree: $19,110
    Expenses: $16,656
    Starting Salary: $40,290
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida Memorial University known for?

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

  20. Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Webber International University

    Cost of Degree: $32,150
    Expenses: $19,858
    Starting Salary: $51,590
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Webber International University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Webber International University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in General Business Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Sport Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  21. #21

    Florida College

    Temple Terrace , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida College

    Cost of Degree: $18,920
    Expenses: $16,250
    Starting Salary: $52,207
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida College known for?

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

  22. #22

    Warner University

    Lake Wales , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    930/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Warner University

    Cost of Degree: $28,160
    Expenses: $14,810
    Starting Salary: $46,512
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Warner University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  23. #23

    Hodges University

    Fort Myers , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hodges University

    Cost of Degree: $15,820
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    What is Hodges University known for?

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

    Hodges University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Marketing / Professional Sales
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Computer Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cybersecurity / Networking
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Software Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Sciences Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  24. #24

    City College

    Hollywood , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is City College known for?

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

  25. #25

    Southeastern University

    Lakeland , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $31,732
    Expenses: $20,420
    Starting Salary: $49,323
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southeastern University known for?

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

    Southeastern University ’s Online Degrees

    BS in Digital Media and Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    BS in Business and Professional Leadership
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Communication and Mass Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Ministerial Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Format: Fully online
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Find Florida’s best private school in your area interest

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 Miami
  2. Ave Maria University
  3. Eckerd College
  4. Florida Institute of Technology
  5. Rollins College
  6. St. Thomas University
  7. Nova Southeastern University
  8. Stetson University
  9. Flagler College
  10. Florida Southern College
  11. Jacksonville University
  12. Palm Beach Atlantic University
  13. Lynn University
  14. Everglades University
  15. Southeastern University
  16. University of Tampa
  17. Saint Leo University
  18. Keiser University
  19. Beacon College
  20. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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