Hey everyone, I'm currently a junior and starting to look at colleges seriously. I'm based in Florida and would love to stay local for undergrad. I know about the big names like University of Miami and University of Florida, but are there other great colleges in Florida I should be considering? Thanks in advance!
Absolutely, there are some other fantastic schools in Florida beyond just the University of Miami and the University of Florida.
To start with, there's Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee. It's one of the top public research universities in the state with strong programs in business and engineering. The school's honors program is also well-regarded.
Then you have University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, which is recognized for its excellent programs in engineering and computer science. UCF also has a unique DirectConnect to UCF program, which guarantees admission to students who earn their associate degree at a partner college.
New College of Florida in Sarasota is another school to consider. It's the honors college of the State University System of Florida, offering highly individualized undergraduate curricula. It’s a small liberal arts college with a unique narrative evaluation system instead of traditional grades.
Stetson University in DeLand, known for its business program and School of Music, might also be worth your attention. Stetson places a strong emphasis on community engagement which is evident in its many outreach programs.
Rollins College in Winter Park offers strong programs in business, environmental studies, and social entrepreneurship, among others. Rollins is known for its close-knit community and small class sizes.
Finally, there's Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, which has solid programs in business, nursing, and biology. NSU is classified as a research university with "high research activity."
This list should give you a great place to start. Do your research thoroughly and consider reaching out to these schools to find out more about what they offer, what their campus life is like, and whether they seem like a good fit for your specific goals and preferences. Balancing academics, lifestyle, and the right college environment is key. Happy college hunting!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.