~Two Florida universities rank in the top 25 Best-in-Class Colleges nationally~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (8/25/2025) — Today, the State University System of Florida celebrated the institutions recognized in the 2025 College Guide and Rankings by Washington Monthly.
“This year, Florida’s universities are once again recognized as world-class institutions,” said SUS Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “The Washington Monthly rankings point to key strategies that make our institutions national leaders in higher education: low-cost, high-value degrees, a focus on ensuring students have clear, immediate pathways to careers or continued education, and merit-based aid that supports high-achieving students in reaching their higher education goals. Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we have prioritized quality education over indoctrination, holding our universities to the highest standards in every aspect, from curriculum to faculty, so that students and their families can feel confident in their decision to join the best State University System in the nation.”
Washington Monthly’s annual College Guide and Rankings focus on impact for students and the economy. Schools are ranked based on factors such as access, affordability, and student outcomes.
Both the University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University ranked in the top 25 Best-in-Class Colleges. SUS universities ranked in several additional categories this year, including:
Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: Southeast
- Florida International University, #1
- University of Central Florida, #2
- New College of Florida, #3
- Florida Atlantic University, #5
- University of Florida, #6
- University of South Florida, #8
- Florida State University, #13
- University of North Florida, #18
- Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, #33
- University of West Florida, #36
- Florida Gulf Coast University, #46
Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars
- Florida International University, #8
- University of Central Florida, #17
- New College of Florida, #25
- Florida Atlantic University, #39
- University of South Florida, #57
- University of Florida, #70
- Florida State University,#84
Other notable rankings include the University of Florida in the top 30 Best Colleges for Research, as well as Florida International University, Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, and the University of South Florida in the top 100; New College of Florida in the top 10 for Liberal Arts Colleges; and the University of West Florida in the top 75 for Master’s Universities.
The complete Washington Monthly’s annual College Guide and Rankings can be found here.
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About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The System has 12 universities and more than 430,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has held the top spot in U.S. News & World Report for higher education since the inception of the rankings in 2017. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the System’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.