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Report: 10 best-ranked colleges in Florida

The reflecting pond and Millican Hall at UCF, or the University of Central Florida. (Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions a person will make for their education, impacting everything from future earnings and employment to potential student loan debt and social circles.

While every student wants to get the best education they possibly can, there are myriad considerations to take into account: location, size, diversity, areas of focus, study abroad opportunities—the list goes on.

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While best college lists are often topped with the same handful of expensive Ivy League schools, the U.S. is home to more than 4,000 degree-granting schools spread out across all 50 states and several territories, with amazing education offerings for students to consider.

Stacker compiled a list of the best four-year colleges in Florida using rankings from Niche. Tuition, student-to-faculty ratio, acceptance rate, and graduation rate are among the factors considered in deciding these rankings. Location is also often a key factor in a school's appeal, whether it be a beachside location, one full of New England foliage, or proximity to tech hubs and companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google. Online and unspecified location schools were excluded from the rankings.

Keep reading to see the best schools in your state.

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#10. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide

- Location: Daytona Beach, FL - Acceptance rate: 70% - Net price: $15,600 - SAT range: Not available - Niche grade: A-

A student wearing a backpack holding two books as they walk to a college class.
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#9. Florida Institute of Technology

- Location: Melbourne, FL - Acceptance rate: 66% - Net price: $32,314 - SAT range: 1140-1340 - Niche grade: A-

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#8. University of South Florida - St. Petersburg

- Location: St. Petersburg, FL - Acceptance rate: 27% - Net price: $10,841 - SAT range: 1140-1280 - Niche grade: A-

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#7. University of South Florida - Sarasota-Manatee

- Location: Sarasota, FL - Acceptance rate: 24% - Net price: $2,734 - SAT range: 1160-1290 - Niche grade: A

A student taking notes in a library.
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#6. Florida International University

- Location: Miami, FL - Acceptance rate: 64% - Net price: $9,398 - SAT range: 1060-1240 - Niche grade: A

You may also like: Best high schools in Florida

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#5. University of Central Florida

- Location: Orlando, FL - Acceptance rate: 36% - Net price: $11,575 - SAT range: 1170-1350 - Niche grade: A

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#4. University of South Florida

- Location: Tampa, FL - Acceptance rate: 49% - Net price: $10,004 - SAT range: 1160-1320 - Niche grade: A+

A group of college students working together on a group project in a library.
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#3. Florida State University

- Location: Tallahassee, FL - Acceptance rate: 37% - Net price: $12,684 - SAT range: 1180-1340 - Niche grade: A+

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#2. University of Miami

- Location: Coral Gables, FL - Acceptance rate: 28% - Net price: $34,492 - SAT range: 1300-1460 - Niche grade: A+

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#1. University of Florida

- Location: Gainesville, FL - Acceptance rate: 30% - Net price: $9,809 - SAT range: 1300-1470 - Niche grade: A+

You may also like: Highest NFL draft picks from Florida

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.


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