Best Colleges in Florida

Overview

In terms of setting, it doesn’t get much more urban than the University of Tampa, a medium-sized private university which is situated in the heart of the city of Tampa. The school’s nearly 8,000 students are part of a globally connected campus and come from all 50 states and 140 countries, creating a dynamic and diverse educational environment.

Features

The University of Tampa’s four colleges (which include the AACSB accredited Sykes College of Business) offer more than 200 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Many programs offer opportunities to conduct research at the undergraduate level. The most popular majors include:

• Business, Management, Marketing
• Social Sciences
• Health Professions
• Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies

Notables

The University of Tampa also has much to offer in the way of recreation, including over 200 student clubs and organizations. These provide students with the opportunity to be involved with a whole range of activities from intramural sports, sports clubs and student recreation programs to student-run, on-campus television, radio stations, and newspaper.

Overview

Located midway between the city of Jacksonville and the Atlantic coast, the University of North Florida (or UNF) is a relatively young public institution (founded in 1972) and a member of the Florida State University System. The school, which is situated on 1,381 acres and has a student population of over 15,600 students, has been ranked highly among regional schools in the South.

Features

The University of North Florida strives to keep a small college feel amidst rapid growth by maintaining relatively small class sizes and a student to faculty ratio of 18:1. UNF has six colleges (including the AACSB accredited Coggin School of Business) and a wide range of degree programs. The most popular majors include:

• Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
• Health Professions and Related Programs
• Psychology
• Social Sciences

Notables

A distinguishing feature of a UNF education is the Transformational Learning Opportunity. Each UNF student has a chance to take part in a life-changing experience which can include opportunities like conducting research with faculty, or taking part in community-based learning or studying abroad.

Overview

New College of Florida is a small, public, liberal arts college located in suburban Sarasota, near the Gulf of Mexico. Often mistaken for a private college, New College is the public honors college for the state of Florida and ranks among the best liberal arts colleges in the nation. With a student population of around 800 students, the school offers a student to faculty ration of 10:1.

Features

New College places unique emphasis on in-depth undergraduate research and personalized learning. Students have the opportunity to take part in yearly independent study projects and all students complete and defend a senior project or thesis prior to graduation. New College divides academics into three main divisions: Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Among the nearly 40 different areas of concentration that the school offers, the most popular include:

• Liberal Arts and Sciences
• General Studies
• Humanities

Notables

Because New College is designated an intentional residential college, all students are required to live on-campus (unless granted a waiver) which creates a rich community life for students. The school offers over 60 clubs for student participation, with the club list changing from year to year as students form new clubs based on their interests.

Overview

Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, inter-denominational Christian university located in West Palm Beach on a 100-acre campus. The school has a core commitment to character formation, and programs integrate a Christian worldview with a liberal arts education. Theological commitments notwithstanding, the school welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

Features

Palm Beach Atlantic offers its 4,000 students a choice of 50 undergraduate majors and 2 master’s programs (Counselor Education, Leadership) as well as online and evening educational opportunities. At the center of Palm Beach Atlantic’s identity lies “Workship” – their community service program that responds to local needs in the West Palm Beach community. The program offers students a chance to develop the habit of service while discerning possible vocation. Among the most commonly studied majors are:

• Business, Management, Marketing
• Psychology
• Theology and Religious Vocations
• Visual and Performing Arts

Notables

For students who want to experience studying in other parts of the world, Palm Beach Atlantic offers the opportunity to study abroad through the Rinker Center for Experiential Learning (CEL). Students have the option of a semester abroad or a Travel Study trip to one of several international destinations.

Overview

Flagler College is a young institution located in the oldest city in the nation. The 49-acre campus of this private residential college is located in St. Augustine, a coastal city with a colonial history dating back to 1565. The college has a student body of around 2,700 students and a student to faculty ration of 16:1.

Features

The college offers a liberal arts education at the undergraduate and graduate level with 31 majors and 36 minors that combine academic study with real-world experience. The school combines the standard liberal arts courses with more innovative options such as coastal environment science. The most popular majors include:

• Business, Management, Marketing
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Social Sciences
• Psychology

Notables

Students at Flager have more than 30 student clubs and organizations to be involved in, as well as more than 10 intramural sports. The school encourages students to engage in community-integrated projects that bring classroom learning into the local community, and many of the school’s clubs and organizations participate in programs that help local groups.

Overview

Located in the city of Miami Gardens, St. Thomas University is private, Catholic institution. The school, which emphasizes scientific research, social justice, and ethics, is set on a 140-acre campus with a student body population of around 4,900 and a student to faculty ratio of 12:1.

Features

St. Thomas’s six schools and colleges provide a diverse offering of academic programs including 33 undergraduate degrees and 26 graduate degree programs. The school continues to expand its program options with 18 new degrees and 10 new concentrations, including Cyber Security, Trade and Logistics and Sports Tourism. The most popular majors include:

• Business, Management, Marketing
• Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Notables

In addition to its robust undergraduate programs, the St. Thomas University School of Law is one of the most diverse student bodies in the U.S. The school ranks first among all ABA-approved law schools in their proportion of Hispanic students, and sixth among African-American students.

Overview

Located in Orlando, the University of Central Florida is a public research institution and currently the second largest university in the world. Set on a 1,415-acre campus, UCF’s 63,000 students make up a diverse and inclusive university community, with students representing all 50 states and 148 countries.

Features

One of the advantages of attending a large university is the sheer diversity of academic offerings, and UCF does not disappoint. Their 12 colleges offer over 200 degree programs for students to consider, from undergraduate to the doctoral level. Among the most popular majors are:

• Business, Management, Marketing
• Health Professions and Related Programs
• Psychology
• Education

Notables

Students at UCF have earned numerous prestigious awards including the Rhodes, Mellon, and Goldwater scholarships. And UCF itself is the recipient of the prestigious Carnegie Foundation’s highest designation in both community engagement and very high research activity. Students have opportunities to participate in leadership programs, cooperative education, mentorships, internships, service learning and paid research positions.

Overview

Located just north of Tampa in the small town of St. Leo, St. Leo University describes itself as a Catholic, liberal arts school serving learners of all faiths. A private institution with a student body of just over 6,000 students at its St. Leo campus, St Leo University is ranked among the best regional schools in the South (US News and World Report) and, including their regional centers and online students, one of the largest Catholic institutions in the country.

Features

St. Leo provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with over 40 majors for students to choose from. All students take courses in the liberal arts core, called University Explorations, which teaches students to think critically and live ethically. Among the most popular majors are:

• Business, Management, Marketing
• Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting
• Computer and Information Sciences
• Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies

Notables

Students at St. Leo have the opportunity to study abroad, either by spending a semester in another country or by going on a faculty-led short-term study abroad trip. And the campus has over 70 clubs and organizations, as well as campus events and athletics.

Overview

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a young, innovative, private research institution with a focus on the physical and social sciences. Founded in 1964, the school has a student body population of approximately 24,000 students and is the largest private, not-for-profit institution in the United States that meets the U.S. Department of Education’s criteria as a Hispanic-serving Institution.

Features

Nova Southeastern has 18 colleges, schools and centers that offer a wide variety of degree programs (over 160 programs), from undergraduate through doctoral work. Nova Southeastern boasts a student to faculty ratio of 16:1 allowing for small class sizes: almost 80% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Among the 50 majors that undergraduates can choose from, the most popular are:

• Health Professions and Related Programs
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Business, Management, Marketing
• Psychology

Notables

Due to their focus on flexible, alternative learning formats, the school is a recipient of the Carnegie Foundation’s prestigious Community Engagement Classification. In addition to rigorous academics, Nova Southeastern also has more than 400 undergraduate and graduate student organizations, a powerful student government, fraternities and sororities, and intramural sports – as well as school-sponsored events and activities.

Overview

A private, liberal arts and sciences college with a waterfront campus that overlooks Boca Ciega Bay at the tip of the city of St. Petersburg, Eckerd College is a relatively young and small institution. Founded in 1960 and currently with a population of 1,789 students, Eckerd College boasts small class sizes and personalized learning experiences.

Features

All students at Eckerd take General Education courses that cover art, literature and the natural and social sciences. With a 13:1 student to faculty ratio, Eckerd emphasizes small class sizes and the mentorship role of faculty. In addition, students have over 40 majors to choose from, including the four most popular:

• Marine Sciences,
• Biology, General
• Psychology, General
• International Business

Notables

The school promises to combine study, travel, research and internships to prepare students life after graduation. Eckerd operates on a 4-1-4 calendar, giving students the opportunity to study abroad during the January Winter Term or semester-long programs. Nearly 85 percent of Eckerd graduates have spent at least one term overseas.

Overview

A member of the University of South Florida University system and located on the waterfront of St. Petersburg, the University of South Florida – St. Petersburg (commonly known as USF St. Pete) has a student body of 4,734. The school is self-described as a close-knit, student-centered learning community that conducts wide-ranging, collaborative research to meet society’s needs.

Features

With a student to faculty ratio of 16:1, USF – St. Petersburg offers an educational setting that fosters relationships in smaller class sizes, undergraduate research, and engagement with the broader community. The school offers 24 bachelor’s degree programs and 17 master’s degree options. The most popular majors include:

• Business, Management, Marketing
• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Education

Notables

When not studying, students at USF- St. Petersburg have numerous opportunities for social interaction, both on campus and in the city of St. Petersburg. The school itself has many clubs and organizations, offering students the opportunity to engage in everything from school media to sports and cultural events.

Overview

Founded in 1991, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university located in Fort Myers in Southwest Florida. Despite the youth of the institution, FGCU ranks among the top regional universities in the South with one of the highest graduate employment rates among the state’s universities.

Features

Through their five colleges (Arts and Sciences, Education, Health Professions and Social Work, Lutgert College of Business, UA Whitaker College of Engineering) students have a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees to choose from. Among the most popular majors are:

• Business, Management, Marketing
• Psychology
• Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting

Notables

FGCU has a particular focus on encouraging excellence in the STEM disciplines, health professions, business, and marine and environmental sciences. And the school emphasizes innovative, student-centered teaching and learning, and promotes and practices environmental sustainability.

Overview

Founded in 1879, Florida Memorial University (FMU) is a private, historically black university located in Miami. The school, which has a student population of 1,467, is ranked among the best regional universities in the South, as well as one of the best historically black universities nationally. FMU is affiliated with the Baptist Church and has a deep commitment to providing a quality liberal arts education.

Features

“Leadership, Character, and Service” is the motto of FMU and students have the opportunity to be involved in campus activities and the 40 student organizations that complement their academic programs. FMU offers 41 undergraduate programs and 4 master’s programs through their three schools: The School of Arts and Sciences, the ACBSP accredited School of Business, and the School of Education. Among the most popular majors are:

• Elementary Education and Teaching
• Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
• Psychology, General
• Accounting

Notables

The student to faculty ratio at FMU is 15:1, allowing for small class sizes and personal interaction between students and their instructors. All FMU degree programs focus on graduating students who are well prepared in their discipline to enter a competitive job market, and the Career Center helps students focus their career plans with computerized career assessment tools, career fairs, recruitment drives, and various networking events.

Overview

Founded in 1977, Keiser University is a private university located in Fort Lauderdale. The school, which has a student population of over 16,000, provides career-focussed undergraduate and graduate education to their diverse student body.

Features

Keiser’s ethos centers around making education accessible for a variety of student needs. This involves flexible scheduling and delivery formats and, to avoid juggling multiple classes, students attend one class at a time for four weeks and take a final exam before moving on to the next class. Keiser offers a wide variety of career focussed degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level – from Business to Criminal Justice, Graphic Arts, and Health Care. Among the most popular majors are:

• Business Administration and Management
• Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Notables

Student Support Services at Keiser are dedicated to eliminating barriers to student learning. Staff are available to assist with résumé preparation, interviewing skills, mock interviewing, professional development workshops, and job postings on the online career center. Student organizations such as Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, and Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society also provide opportunities for participation.

Overview

Founded in 1968 by Church of God pastors and laity, Warner University is a small, private, Christian liberal arts college located in the small town of Lake Wales. Warner University, which has a highly diverse student body (with 60% of students identifying themselves as black and Hispanic), maintains a student to faculty ratio of 15:1 and is listed among the top regional universities in the South (U.S. News and World Report).

Features

Warner University offers more than 30 undergraduate majors, and 4 master’s programs including recently added majors like: Agricultural Studies, Sports Communication, Exercise and Sport Leadership, and Interdisciplinary Ministry. The most popular majors include:

• Business Administration, Management and Operations
• Elementary Education and Teaching
• Theology/Theological Studies
• Business Administration and Management

Notables

Graduates from Warner University’s Teacher Education program have enjoyed 100% job placement for more than 15 years and, when compared to the other 30 private colleges that make up the Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida (ICUF), the school recently ranked second in employment rates for all graduates.

Overview

Located in Miami Shores, Barry University is a private, Catholic university with a broad arts and sciences focus. The school, which has a student population of 7,971, boasts metropolitan vitality, a diversity of ages, cultures, faiths, and perspectives and a personalized and purposeful approach to education.

Features

For students who are unable to attend traditional classes, Barry University is also home to the School of Professional and Career Education, which offers classes across Florida, usually in the evenings or on Saturdays, that can fulfill bachelor’s, master’s and certificate requirements. Students at Barry University have access to more than 100 academic programs, including master’s degrees in the Andreas School of Business, the Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law and the Adrian Dominican School of Education. A few of the majors offered include:

• Marine Biology
• Nursing
• Business Administration
• Computer Science

Notables

Barry’s University’s 60+ student organizations provide opportunities for students to stretch themselves, expand their perspective, learn how to lead and, of course, enjoy themselves. The school also offers the opportunity to study abroad, as well as take part in local and distant service projects like Habitat for Humanity, ecological restoration projects, or helping at local homeless shelters.

Overview

Located in Boca Raton, Lynn University is a relatively small, private liberal arts college that was founded in 1962. That may not sound particularly unique, but what makes Lynn University distinctive is the school’s student body: of the 2,693 students enrolled, nearly 100 countries and all 50 states are represented, making Lynn one of the most international schools in the country. The school was also ranked as the third most innovative in the U.S. in 2017.

Features

Lynn’s academic ethos is to remain grounded in the liberal arts while containing a collection of colleges oriented toward emerging professional opportunities. The school’s five colleges offer over 37 majors, the most popular of which include:

• Business, Management, Marketing
• Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting
• Psychology
• Visual and Performing Arts

Notables

In addition to their global focus, Lynn University has developed an innovative program called Lynn 3.0. For students who are motivated to work hard, the 3.0 program offers the opportunity take advanced classes and finish their degree in three years, thereby saving thousands of dollars. And for students who want to study outside of the U.S., Lynn’s Center for Learning Abroad offers three-week, semester, or year-long programs in one of 50 programs in 20 countries.

Overview

Founded in Tallahassee in 1887, Florida A&M University (FAMU) is a public institution, and the only historically black university in the State University System of Florida. FAMU has a student population of 9,928 which represents every state in the nation as well as 70 countries. The school has ranked highly among historically black colleges and universities, as well as among national universities.

Features

Florida A&M University has long since moved beyond the ‘Agricultural and Mechanical’ margins of its beginnings. The University now offers 54 bachelor’s degrees, 29 master’s degrees, three professional degrees, and 12 doctoral programs in a wide range of academic areas. Among the most popular majors are:

• Business Administration
• Biology
• Criminal Justice
• Allied Health

Notables

In addition to a beautiful campus, FAMU has more than 100 recognized student clubs and organizations which provide students with the opportunity to actively engage in a broad range of educational and recreational activities.

Overview

Situated on a 850-acre campus in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution that was founded in 1962. From its inception, Florida Atlantic has put innovation and accessibility at its center, and today the university serves more than 30,000 freshmen, transfers and graduate students at sites throughout its six-county service region in southeast Florida.

Features

Florida Atlantic’s School of Business’s undergraduate program, which is accredited by the prestigious AACSB, was ranked among the best in the nation in 2017, as was their doctoral Engineering program. And, in line with the school’s focus on accessibility, they have received distinction for their online graduate programs. Students at Florida Atlantic University can choose between 180 degree programs from the undergraduate through doctoral levels. Some of the most popular majors the university offers include:

• Business, Management, Marketing
• Social Sciences
• Health Professions
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Notables

In addition to the supportive learning environment, the Boca Raton campus features several facilities that support student activities and meetings. Its recreation complex includes an aquatic center, gymnasium, tennis courts, wellness center, track, and a variety of fields for club and intramural sports competition.

Overview

Located in Miami, Florida International University (FIU) is the state’s only top-tier public research university. Founded in 1972 as a university for upper-classmen and graduate students, the school now has a student population of almost 50,000 students ranging from freshmen to doctoral candidates. About 60 percent of students who attend the university are Hispanic, making the school one of the top granters of bachelor’s degrees to Hispanic undergraduates.

Features

FIU emphasizes research as a major component of the university’s mission. The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and the School of Computing and Information Sciences’ Discovery Lab, are just two of many colleges, schools, and centers whose research initiatives are putting FIU’s name on the academic map. Through their 11 colleges and schools, Florida International University offers more than 190 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs, including a variety of fully-online programs. The most popular majors include:

• Business, Management, Marketing
• Psychology
• Social Sciences
• Health Professions and Related Programs

Notables

As a large university set in an urban environment, FIU offers students a plethora of opportunities for socialization and recreation. From art exhibits and theatre productions, to athletics, outdoor recreation and even an organic farmer’s market on campus every Wednesday, there’s little opportunity for boredom at FIU.

Overview

Established in Jacksonville in 1866, Edward Waters College is one of the oldest private institutions in the state and the first college established for the education of African Americans. Named after the third Bishop of the AME church, the school describes itself as a small, private, Christian, historically black, urban, liberal arts college. The school has a trifold focus on scholarship, research, and service and strives to prepare students to thrive in a global world.

Features

The teaching and learning environment at Edward Waters is specifically designed to provide support for their students, who come from a diverse array of national, racial/ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. In addition to accessible teaching, the College offers a comprehensive academic support system which includes: academic advising, learning labs, and tutoring. The liberal arts program at Edward College aims to be rigorous, inclusive, pragmatic, and socially responsible. The school provides eight degree programs with several majors, including:

• Biology
• Elementary Education
• Communications
• Business Administration

Notables

At Edward Waters College, campus activities are an integral part the educational experience, serving to educate, motivate, and challenge students. The school has a variety of clubs and organizations, ranging from the Government Association, to service volunteer activities and recreational and sports activities.

Overview

Situated near the Chipola River in the small city of Marianna, Chipola College is a member institution of the Florida College System. The school has a mission to provide access to quality learning opportunities toward certificates, bachelor’s and associate degrees, while adding to the economic, social, and cultural development of the school’s service area.

Features

Chipola College has a strong workforce development program, and also offers 10 Bachelor’s of Science degrees in education, business and nursing. Chipola is also known for transferring students to other universities in the state. Among the majors that students may choose are:

• Business Administration: Accounting
• Business Administration: Management
• Elementary Education
• Nursing

Notables

Chipola’s small college environment and small class sizes make for a supportive educational experience for students. Chipola also has over 20 student organizations – from the pre-med club to the show choir – that provide opportunities for socialization, recreation, and academic support.

Overview

Located in the town of Leesburg in central Florida, Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) is a public college and a member institution of the Florida College System. The college was founded in 1962 to provide the opportunity for Lake and Sumter County students to receive an advanced education. The school has since grown into a three-campus institution serving over 7500 students annually.

Features

Lake-Sumter State College offers three Associate degrees: Associate of Arts, Science, or Applied Science. LSSC recently began offering its first 2+2 baccalaureate degree, the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Organizational Management. This degree is designed for the working adult who already has an AA or AS degree. Classes take place in the evenings. In addition to these degree programs, Technical Certificate programs are available in a variety of academic disciplines. Available majors include:

• Engineering Technology
• General Studies
• Business Administration
• Early Childhood Education

Notables

LSSC has several recognized student clubs and organizations which provide students with the opportunity to engage in a broad range of educational and recreational activities. In addition, LSSC’s theater, music and arts programs present cultural entertainment throughout the year, while their women’s volleyball and softball and men’s baseball teams compete in collegiate games.

Overview

Originally established in 1904, Bethune-Cookman University is a private, Christian, historically black university with ties to the Methodist Church. Situated on 82 acres in Daytona Beach, the school has a diverse student body of around 3,800 students. The school has distinguished itself among historically black colleges and universities nationally.

Features

Bethune-Cookman has a tradition of both teaching and mentoring students as well as conducting research, publishing and maintaining high academic standards.Through their 9 colleges and schools, Bethune-Cookman University offers 39 undergraduate degrees and six master’s degrees. The most popular majors include:

• Corrections and Criminal Justice
• Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Business Administration and Management
• Psychology

Notables

Of particular note is Bethune-Cookman’s College of Science, Engineering and Math which has received special distinction, being featured in 2017 among the top Engineering programs in the country. The school also has a robust online and professional studies program (both undergraduate and graduate) for students who are unable to attend college on campus.

Overview

Founded in 1927, Webber International University is a small, private institution located in Babson Park, in the rolling hills of Polk County. Webber International University is small in size, but by maintaining a focus on business and pre-professional studies, they have been able to offer a breadth and depth of learning often not possible for small universities.

Features

Students at Webber have the option of an Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science degree at the undergraduate level and an IACBE accredited MBA at the graduate level. The school also offers a range of student supports which include the Babson Learning Resource Center and the Programs for Academic Student Success (PASS) Center which provides peer tutoring services. The B.S. in Business Administration degree is also IACBE accredited and features 8 majors including:

• Accounting
• Computer Information Systems
• Finance
• Hospitality Tourism Management

Notables

In addition to high-quality business education, Webber is committed to maintaining small class sizes and a uniquely personal university experience. Campus activities include the annual Beach Party, Constitution Day, Bowling Nights, Movie Nights and more.

Overview

Founded in 1990, Hodges University is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning. With campuses located in Naples and Fort Myers, the university uses its local roots and global reach to provide transformation, learner-driven educational opportunities for its students. In addition to offering associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines and delivery options, Hodges University enhances the ability of students to achieve personal and professional objectives through diverse educational experiences and programs.

Features

Hodges University offers over 30 associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in a wide array of disciplines including business, health-care and technology. In addition to their academic programs, Hodges University supports eight mission-driven student organizations – from community service to student government – which connect the campus community and provide opportunities for meaningful student involvement. Among the most popular majors are:

• Health Professions and Related Programs
• Business, Management, Marketing
• Computer and Information Sciences
• Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting

Notables

Hodges University maintains a 15:1 student to faculty ratio, keeping class sizes to an average of 14 students. And Hodges displays a deep commitment to accessibility. The school has several online degree programs as well as flexible scheduling options like an accelerated 7½-week term, available for select courses. And for highly self-motivated students, Hodges offers a self-paced competency-based degree option, Upower, which allows students to earn their degree at a fraction of the cost of traditional programs.

Overview

Founded in Pensacola in 1963, the University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university with multiple locations throughout Northwest Florida and a strong online presence. UWF’s mission is to provide their almost 13,000 students with access to high-quality, relevant, and affordable undergraduate and graduate learning experiences.

Features

The University of West Florida is home to five academic colleges, offering more than 45 undergraduate degree programs, 25 master’s degree programs, two specialist degrees and a doctorate in education. The most popular majors are:

• Health Professions
• Business Administration and Management
• Social Sciences
• Psychology

Notables

As a research institution, the University of West Florida runs a variety of centers and institutes, offering students and faculty the opportunity for collaborative research. And the school has been garnering national attention for their educational approach: in 2015, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching recognized UWF for its community engagement. Also, UWF’s AACSB accredited College of Business was ranked among the best in the nation in 2017, as was their Engineering program.

Overview

Located in the city of Kissimee, just south of Orlando, Johnson University is a private, Christian university. Founded in 1975 as Florida Christian College, the university is part of the Johnson University System and strives to equip individuals for Christian ministries and other strategic service vocations.

Features

At Johnson University Florida, students have access to more than 15 academic programs. Each of Johnson’s undergraduate programs offers both a biblical core and an arts and sciences core to ensure that students are well-rounded and have a solid biblical foundation for their area of study. Programs include:

• Business Administration
• Pastoral Care & Counselling
• Human Services
• Nonprofit Administration

Notables

And at Johnson, students find a community that is easy to connect with through campus activities and organizations. Students are required to participate in 15 hours of Christian service each term, and weekly chapel services and discipleship groups provide a place for spiritual formation and community.

Overview

The only for-profit college on our list, Rasmussen College has three campuses in Florida: Ft. Myers, Ocala, and Tampa. With a focus on career preparation, Rasmussen has made great strides in providing an accredited, affordable and accessible education for students through both traditional, campus-based courses, and online delivery.

Features

Rasmussen College is organized into seven schools (Health Sciences, Design, Business, Justice Studies, Education, Nursing, and Technology) which offer more than 70 programs for in-demand professions. Rasmussen offers Certificates, Diplomas, and Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, including:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Design
• Health Information Management
• Early Childhood Education

Notables

Programs vary from campus to campus, so it is important to ensure that the program you are interested in is available at your campus. Rasmussen strives to make every student’s experience personal and meaningful, and their Support+ network offers a range of support services to ensure student success. Each student at Rasmussen has their own advisor to help with course scheduling, financial aid, and learning support.

Overview

Founded in 1946, Florida College is a private, Christian university situated 8 miles northeast of Tampa in the city of Temple Terrace. The school is affiliated with (but without formal ties to) the non-institutional Churches of Christ, and provides a higher education with a biblical perspective.

Features

Florida College promises a rigorous education in an encouraging environment and provides students with a variety of programs at the baccalaureate level. Faculty at Florida College integrate biblical perspectives into course curricula as well as exemplifying biblical principles of behavior and encouraging spiritual growth. Programs include a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in 17 majors including:

• Biblical Studies
• Business Administration
• Elementary Education
• Pre-Professional Health Sciences
• Pre-law

Notables

Students also have the opportunity to study abroad on short-term, faculty-led trips. In 2017, students and faculty will take a Reformation Tour of Europe, following in the footsteps of Martin Luther and other reformers. Additionally, a variety of student organizations provide points of connection and support on campus, including fine arts, intramural sports, student government and service activities.