Best Research Universities in Florida 2024

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Interested in attending a STEM school in Florida? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

10 Best Research Universities in Florida 2024

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  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. Florida A&M University
  9. Nova Southeastern University
  10. Florida Institute of Technology
  1. Keiser University 96%
  2. Nova Southeastern University 93%
  3. Florida Atlantic University 78%
  4. University of North Florida 77%
  5. Florida Institute of Technology 66%
  6. Florida International University 64%
  7. Barry University 64%
  8. University of South Florida 49%
  9. Florida State University 37%
  10. University of Central Florida 36%
  1. University of Central Florida 31 to 1
  2. Florida International University 25 to 1
  3. University of South Florida 22 to 1
  4. Florida Atlantic University 22 to 1
  5. Florida State University 21 to 1
  6. University of North Florida 19 to 1
  7. University of Florida 17 to 1
  8. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  9. Florida Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  10. Barry University 15 to 1
  1. University of Miami $54,760
  2. Florida Institute of Technology $43,246
  3. Nova Southeastern University $34,570
  4. Barry University $31,540
  5. Keiser University $22,000
  6. Florida International University $4,721
  7. Florida State University $4,640
  8. University of South Florida $4,559
  9. University of Central Florida $4,478
  10. University of Florida $4,477
  1. University of Miami $39,834
  2. Keiser University $29,632
  3. Florida Institute of Technology $22,338
  4. Nova Southeastern University $21,153
  5. Barry University $17,820
  6. University of Florida $10,770
  7. Florida State University $9,684
  8. Florida International University $8,912
  9. University of North Florida $8,570
  10. University of South Florida $8,350
  1. Keiser University
  2. Barry University
  3. University of North Florida
  4. Nova Southeastern University
  5. Florida A&M University
  6. Florida Institute of Technology
  7. Florida Atlantic University
  8. Florida International University
  9. University of South Florida
  10. University of Central Florida
  1. Keiser University
  2. Barry University
  3. University of North Florida
  4. Florida Institute of Technology
  5. Nova Southeastern University
  6. Florida A&M University
  7. Florida Atlantic University
  8. University of Central Florida
  9. Florida International University
  10. University of South Florida
  1. University of Miami 28%
  2. University of Florida 30%
  3. Florida A&M University 35%
  4. University of Central Florida 36%
  5. Florida State University 37%
  6. University of South Florida 49%
  7. Barry University 64%
  8. Florida International University 64%
  9. Florida Institute of Technology 66%
  10. University of North Florida 77%
  1. University of Miami 12 to 1
  2. Florida A&M University 14 to 1
  3. Florida Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  4. Barry University 15 to 1
  5. Keiser University 15 to 1
  6. University of Florida 17 to 1
  7. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  8. University of North Florida 19 to 1
  9. Florida State University 21 to 1
  10. University of South Florida 22 to 1
  1. Florida Atlantic University $2,522
  2. Florida A&M University $3,152
  3. University of North Florida $3,996
  4. University of Florida $4,477
  5. University of Central Florida $4,478
  6. University of South Florida $4,559
  7. Florida State University $4,640
  8. Florida International University $4,721
  9. Keiser University $22,000
  10. Barry University $31,540
  1. Florida Atlantic University $5,467
  2. University of Central Florida $6,916
  3. Florida A&M University $8,019
  4. University of South Florida $8,350
  5. University of North Florida $8,570
  6. Florida International University $8,912
  7. Florida State University $9,684
  8. University of Florida $10,770
  9. Barry University $17,820
  10. Nova Southeastern University $21,153

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Florida's Best Colleges and Universities Badge
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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).

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Best Research Universities in Florida 2023

  1. #1

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    61K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $15,430
    Starting Salary: $65,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    University of Miami

    Coral Gables , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    28%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Miami

    Cost of Degree: $57,194
    Expenses: $21,826
    Starting Salary: $72,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,517
    Expenses: $18,124
    Starting Salary: $53,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    84K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,368
    Expenses: $17,668
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    60K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of South Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,410
    Expenses: $18,242
    Starting Salary: $48,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    75K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $6,565
    Expenses: $18,316
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $4,879
    Expenses: $19,974
    Starting Salary: $48,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  8. #10

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $36,300
    Expenses: $20,570
    Starting Salary: $55,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  9. #11

    University of North Florida

    Jacksonville , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Florida

    Cost of Degree: $5,964
    Expenses: $16,107
    Starting Salary: $49,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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

  10. #12

    Barry University

    Miami , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Barry University

    Cost of Degree: $32,500
    Expenses: $18,058
    Starting Salary: $50,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  11. #13

    Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    34K

    Career Outlook for degree at Keiser University

    Cost of Degree: $23,248
    Expenses: $27,451
    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
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Find the Best Research Universities in Florida for your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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. University of Florida
  3. Florida State University
  4. Florida Institute of Technology
  5. University of South Florida
  6. Nova Southeastern University
  7. Florida A&M University
  8. Florida International University
  9. Florida Atlantic University
  10. University of Central Florida

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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