How do Florida's public universities compare?

I'm a junior looking into public universities in Florida and trying to figure out which ones might be the best fit for me. What are the pros and cons of the different public universities in Florida?

Florida has several excellent public universities, each with its own strengths, and the best fit will depend on your personal interests, career goals, and preferences.

Let's start with the University of Florida (UF). UF is the largest public university in Florida and is a member of the Association of American Universities, the highest recognition of research intensity for doctoral universities in North America. It's located in Gainesville, which was ranked as the 5th best college town in the USA in 2021. UF is especially strong in Healthcare-related fields, and their business school is ranked quite well, too.

Florida State University (FSU), located in Tallahassee, excels in programs related to law and criminology, as well as film studies. The location in the state capital provides students with opportunities for government internships.

The University of South Florida (USF) is in Tampa and has a strong emphasis on research, particularly in health matters. It also has strong programs in Business, particularly Entrepreneurship and Marketing.

Florida International University (FIU) in Miami offers a unique multicultural environment, given the city's diversity. It has excellent programs in Hospitality Management, making a lot of sense given Miami's tourism industry.

Finally, the University of Central Florida (UCF), based in Orlando, is the largest university in the U.S. by undergraduate enrollment. UCF has a strong cybersecurity program and partnerships with major companies in the Orlando area, making it a good choice for Engineering and IT.

As for cons, the large student populations at UF and UCF can make class sizes large, which might be a determining factor if you prefer smaller classes. While FSU and FIU have robust programs, they're not as comprehensive across disciplines as some other schools. Lastly, living in Florida, especially in Miami where FIU is, can be expensive compared to other states.

Consider what you desire most in a university experience as well as your intended area of study when choosing among these universities. Visiting campuses and talking to current students can also provide more insight into their campus culture and resources.