The University of Florida and Florida State University were ranked among the top public universities in the U.S. by Forbes, with UF placing fourth and FSU 22nd.
The University of Florida (UF) and Florida State University (FSU) were ranked among the top public universities in the United States in Forbes’ latest rankings, released on Wednesday, which measure value, alumni earnings, and low student debt.
UF was ranked fourth among public universities nationwide. According to Forbes, UF graduates earn a median salary of $56,398 six years after enrolling, which rises to $123,700 ten years after graduation. The publication also noted that the school was named a “New Ivy” earlier this year for “admitting top talent” and earning praise from employers for producing “high-achieving, hard-working graduates.” Forbes Advisor also listed UF as the country’s best military-friendly online college of 2024.
“The University of Florida accomplishes great things, and we are not slowing down,” Mori Hosseini, chair of the UF board of trustees, said in a prepared statement. “This ranking is another recognition of our world-changing mission as an elite and practical university. This board of trustees moves forward when we dare to be bold.”
FSU ranked 22nd among public universities, with Forbes praising the institution for providing a high-value education with strong post-graduation outcomes, making it an attractive option for students seeking both quality and affordability.
“Florida State University offers its students a great return on their investment. According to Third Way, graduates of the public university in Tallahassee take less than a year to make up their net cost in earnings. Eighty-six percent of students receive some kind of grant aid to attend, with the average aid award sitting at $8,731,” the report states.
Forbes’ rankings consider factors such as alumni salaries, debt levels, and return on investment, providing a snapshot of how public universities deliver on a combination of affordability and quality. The top three spots are held by institutions within the University of California system, with UC Berkeley,UCLA, and UC San Diego taking the first, second, and third positions, respectively. The University of Michigan ranked one spot behind UF, rounding out the top five.