UF ranking holds steady, FSU and USF jump in new U.S. News & World Report higher ed rankings

University of Florida’s national ranking held steady in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, while other Florida schools are on the rise.

UF, which was ranked the No. 5 best public university in the nation as recently as 2023, remained at No. 7 for the second straight year. UF tied for that spot with the University of Texas-Austin.

The new rankings follow a chaotic turn for UF when school officials hired University of Michigan President Santo Ono to take over as President, only to be overturned by the Florida Board of Governors amid a conservative backlash.

Meanwhile, both Florida State University and the University of South Florida jumped two spots to earn rankings No. 21 and No. 43, respectively, in the best public university ranking.

In addition, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University was named the best historical Black college and university for the seventh year in a row. Florida Polytechnic University was rated the No. 1 best regional public college in the South for the fifth year.

Other schools being recognized in the Top 100 public university rankings include Florida International University at No. 46, the University of Central Florida at No. 61, FAMU at No. 92 and Florida Atlantic University at No. 100.

New College of Florida was the tenth-best public liberal arts college in the country, falling three places from last year. At New College, Gov. Ron DeSantis has led a conservative takeover to appoint Trustees and hire former Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran as President

State leaders sent out a press release Tuesday celebrating the rankings, which saw seven Florida universities in the Top 100.

“This year’s rankings reflect the unwavering commitment of Florida’s public universities to delivering academic excellence and world-class faculty expertise,” said Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb in a statement. “These remarkable outcomes affirm the hard work and dedication of our university trustees, faculty, students, and staff across the state.”

State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues called Florida the top public university system in the nation.

“As we continue to build upon the collective strengths of our 12 institutions, our System delivers meaningful impact for students, faculty, and the state’s economic prosperity,” he said.

The University of West Florida also rose four spots to place No. 6 among the best regional public universities in the South.

“We are proud to see UWF recognized at its highest ranking yet, a reflection of our exceptional programs, dedicated faculty and staff, and outstanding students,” UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. said in a statement.

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