Best Private Colleges in Florida 2025

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.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best private colleges in Florida saw a considerable amount of movement. The University of Tampa gained the most ranking positions as the university is making significant enhancements for the 2025 school year with the construction of a 10-story multipurpose building, the largest on campus at over 460,000 square feet, set to open in Fall 2024. This state-of-the-art facility will house more than 600 students, primarily freshmen, along with academic spaces, including classrooms, study areas, and offices for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Institute for Sales Excellence, and the International Programs Office.

It will also provide parking for 440 vehicles and feature a Starbucks café for added convenience. Designed to blend with the campus’s existing architecture, the building includes a 9,000-square-foot sky park with active and passive zones, offering a unique and modern living and learning environment.

This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer four-year undergraduate degrees. We’ve identified 38 private universities in Florida. To be included in the list below of the 25 best private universities in Florida, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

Best Private Colleges and Universities in Florida

  1. #1

    University of Miami

    Coral Gables , FL

    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
  2. #2

    Stetson University

    DeLand , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1207/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Stetson University

    Cost of Degree: $55,220
    Expenses: $18,929
    Starting Salary: $51,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Rollins College

    Winter Park , FL

    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
  4. #4

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL

    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

    Nova Southeastern University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Human Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education ESOL/Reading
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Exceptional Student Education ESOL
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHSc in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSR in Respiratory Therapy Post-Professional Program
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $44,360
    Expenses: $19,140
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    26%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Tampa

    Cost of Degree: $33,424
    Expenses: $18,306
    Starting Salary: $55,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #7

    Barry University

    Miami , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Barry University

    Cost of Degree: $33,450
    Expenses: $20,142
    Starting Salary: $50,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. 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

  9. #9

    Jacksonville University

    Jacksonville , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Jacksonville University

    Cost of Degree: $46,030
    Expenses: $19,876
    Starting Salary: $57,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Jacksonville University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #10

    Eckerd College

    Saint Petersburg , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Eckerd College

    Cost of Degree: $50,374
    Expenses: $18,718
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #11

    Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo , FL

    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

    Saint Leo University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Logistics
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science Information Assurance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminalistics
    • Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Educational Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Education Grades K-6
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Applied
    • Clinical
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Care Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Clinical Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. #12

    Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL

    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:

    Keiser University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Automotive Dealership Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Golf Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cyber Forensics/Information Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Saftey Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #13

    Ave Maria University

    Ave Maria , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Ave Maria University

    Cost of Degree: $28,224
    Expenses: $18,495
    Starting Salary: $33,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 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

    $36K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $37,990
    Expenses: $20,246
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

    Flagler College

    Saint Augustine , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Flagler College

    Cost of Degree: $26,610
    Expenses: $19,700
    Starting Salary: $42,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

  16. #16

    Florida Memorial University

    Miami Gardens , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Memorial University

    Cost of Degree: $19,110
    Expenses: $16,656
    Starting Salary: $29,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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:

  17. #17

    St. Thomas University

    Miami Gardens , FL

    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

    St. Thomas University ’s Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. #18

    Lynn University

    Boca Raton , FL

    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

    Lynn University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Aviation Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Aviation Operations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Aviation Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in International Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Pilot
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 43
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication And Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #19

    Bethune–Cookman University

    Daytona Beach , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    905/16

    Career Outlook for degree at Bethune–Cookman University

    Cost of Degree: $14,794
    Expenses: $15,146
    Starting Salary: $32,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

  20. Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Webber International University

    Cost of Degree: $32,150
    Expenses: $19,858
    Starting Salary: $40,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Business Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sport Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #21

    Florida College

    Temple Terrace , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida College

    Cost of Degree: $18,920
    Expenses: $16,250
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

    $28K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    965/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Warner University

    Cost of Degree: $28,160
    Expenses: $14,810
    Starting Salary: $42,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing / Professional Sales
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity / Networking
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Software Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  24. #24

    City College

    Fort Lauderdale , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at City College

    Cost of Degree: $18,615
    Starting Salary: $31,600
    What is City College known for?

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

  25. #25

    Southeastern University

    Lakeland , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $31,732
    Expenses: $20,420
    Starting Salary: $37,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Business and Professional Leadership
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communication and Mass Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Ministerial Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: 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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