Best Research Universities in Florida 2025
Key Takeaways
- A great research university in Florida will expand your academic networking opportunities with some of the most influential professors in the world.
- Because of the huge research budgets at large research universities in Florida, students will be on the cutting edge of the latest technology and discoveries.
- A research university is the perfect choice for those Floridians who are interested in pursuing a STEM degree.
10 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025
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.
The top 3 schools in our ranking of the best research universities in Florida for 2025 remain unchanged from last year. The University of South Florida and Florida International University both moved up one position to the number 4 and number 5 positions, respectively.
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 13 research universities in Florida. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Best Research Universities in Florida 2025
- #2 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025
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: $6,381Expenses: $16,220Starting Salary: $65,700Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Florida known for?
University of Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Florida 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
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: $59,926Expenses: $28,514Starting Salary: $72,900Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Miami known for?
University of Miami’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
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: $6,517Expenses: $20,296Starting Salary: $53,900Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Florida State University known for?
Florida State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Earth Sciences
- Chemistry
- Education
- Law
- Physics
- Communications
- Political Science
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Florida State University’s Online Degrees
BA in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Safety and Security
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #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
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: $6,410Expenses: $19,215Starting Salary: $48,500Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of South Florida known for?
University of South Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Anthropology
- Nursing
- Medical
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
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: $6,565Expenses: $19,406Starting Salary: $52,000Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Florida International University known for?
Florida International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Education
- Law
- Communications
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Florida International University’s Online Degrees
BA in Theatre
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BFA in Theatre
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Hospitality Management
Degree Concentrations
- Beverage Management
- Culinary Management
- Event Management
- Hotel/Lodging Management
- Restaurant/Food Service Management
- Travel And Tourism Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in International Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Logistics And Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Relations Advertising And Applied Communications
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Real Estate
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Recreation And Sport Management
Degree Concentrations
- Parks Management
- Recreation And Sport Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Information Technology
- Required Credits: 39
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Internet Of Things
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Crime Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education Bs
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Anthropology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Asian Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in International Relations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies Ba
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BPA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Religious Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Welfare
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Women's And Gender Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BHSA in Health Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Engineering
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Electrical Engineering
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Statistics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
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: $6,368Expenses: $18,300Starting Salary: $51,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Central Florida known for?
University of Central Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Business
- Physics
- Computer Science
- History
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
University of Central Florida’s Online Degrees
BS in Hospitality Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Restaurant and Foodservice Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Senior Living Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Legal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Technical Education And Industry Training
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Anthropology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication And Conflict
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Diversity Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English
Degree Concentrations
- Creative Writing
- Literature
- Technical Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BGS in Integrative General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in International And Global Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Latin American 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 Religion And Cultural Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Informatics And Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Florida 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
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: $4,879Expenses: $19,966Starting Salary: $48,300Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Florida Atlantic University known for?
Florida Atlantic University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Engineering
- Education
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Chemistry
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Florida Atlantic University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Hospitality And Tourism Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Management
Degree Concentrations
- Leadership And Applied Managerial Skills
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Bachelor Of Public Safety Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 32
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Geosciences
Degree Concentrations
- Geography
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #7 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #7 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
33%
Graduation
60%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/21
Career Outlook for degree at Florida A&M University
Cost of Degree: $5,785Expenses: $18,368Starting Salary: $44,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Florida A&M University known for?
Florida A&M University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #2 Top 3 Best Online MBA in Real Estate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $37,080Expenses: $22,596Starting Salary: $55,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #2 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #10 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2025 #8 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
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: $44,360Expenses: $19,140Starting Salary: $61,200Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Florida Institute of Technology known for?
Florida Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Business
- Psychology
- Biology
- Education
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
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: $5,964Expenses: $16,944Starting Salary: $49,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Florida known for?
University of North Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Communications
- Economics
- Nursing
- Anthropology
- Education
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2025 #1 Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
39%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Barry University
Cost of Degree: $33,450Expenses: $20,142Starting Salary: $50,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Barry University known for?
Barry University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Law
- Communications
- Business
- Medical
- Education
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Literature
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
- #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 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2025
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
58%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for degree at Keiser University
Cost of Degree: $24,136Expenses: $26,450Starting Salary: $35,100Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Find the Best Research Universities in Florida for your Area of Interest
Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.
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