Several of Florida’s public universities boasted nationally ranked graduate programs Tuesday after U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings, with the results showing strengths across education, medicine, business, law and public health.
The University of Florida (UF) reported one of the strongest showings among the schools, led by its College of Education, which rose to No. 2 nationally. UF also said its College of Pharmacy ranked No. 4 and its College of Veterinary Medicine ranked No. 6. Its College of Medicine received a Tier 1 designation for research.
Among individual specialties, UF listed student counseling at No. 2, tax law at No. 3, special education at No. 5 and biological/agricultural engineering at No. 6.
“These rankings reflect the University of Florida’s continued momentum as we strengthen graduate education across disciplines,” said UF Interim Provost Joe Glover. “Our colleges are advancing research, preparing future leaders and delivering real-world impact in Florida and beyond.”
The University of South Florida (USF) said 42 graduate programs ranked within the top 100 nationally, including 18 in the top 50 and five in the top 25. Its highest-ranked program was industrial and organizational psychology at No. 3. Criminology and audiology both ranked No. 18.
USF also said the Morsani College of Medicine received a Tier 1 research designation for the second consecutive year. The university highlighted gains in several programs, including environmental engineering, doctor of nursing practice and clinical psychology.
Florida International University said more than 20 of its graduate programs ranked among the top 50 public programs in the country. Its highest-ranked offering was the international MBA program, which placed No. 5 among public universities. FIU also pointed to rankings in real estate, executive MBA and information systems, as well as law, public affairs and health sciences. The university said its homeland security and emergency management program ranked No. 10 nationally.
“We are proud to see our programs recognized for preparing students to succeed in a rapidly evolving global workforce,” said Elizabeth M. Béjar, FIU’s provost, executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Florida State University (FSU) said 16 graduate programs and specialties ranked in the top 25 among public universities, with six programs ranked No. 1 in Florida. FSU said its College of Law rose four spots to No. 34 overall and tied for No. 1 in the state with UF. It also highlighted top Florida placements in doctor of nursing practice, speech-language pathology, clinical psychology and visual arts.
The rankings are based on measures that vary by discipline, including reputation surveys and data on areas such as enrollment, faculty resources and job outcomes.