This Is Florida · College in Florida
Want to Go to College in Florida? Here Are 12 Universities to Explore
Florida offers a campus for many kinds of ambition: world-scale research, close-knit honors study, engineering and technology, health sciences, the arts, business, coastal research, agriculture, public service and more. This guide introduces all 12 universities in Florida’s State University System, with the practical details students and families need to start exploring.
Start hereThe 12 universitiesState collegesHow to chooseQuestionsSources
Florida’s public university system includes 12 institutions across the state, from the Panhandle and North Florida to Miami and the Southwest Gulf Coast. Some are large urban universities with multiple campuses; others have a more compact residential feel. Their academic strengths, athletics and campus traditions are different, so comparing the kind of experience you want can be just as important as comparing a program title.
Below, “school size” means the latest reported total student enrollment—not the number of students in a typical class. The school-year field links to the official 2026–27 academic calendar. For athletics, “home sports venue” means a named stadium, arena or field; not every university sponsors football or has a football stadium.
Choose a university to explore
Florida’s 12 public universities
1. University of Florida (UF) — Gainesville
UF is a major public research university where students can connect classroom learning with laboratories, health care, agriculture, engineering, business, the arts and service across Florida. The Gainesville campus combines a lively college-town atmosphere with the resources of a large institution, while UF’s statewide network gives students opportunities to engage with communities well beyond campus. If you want a broad range of programs and a powerful Gator community, UF is an exciting place to explore.
- School size
- 63,148 students (Fall 2025)
- School year
- 2026–27 academic calendar: official UF dates and deadlines
- Mascot / school identity
- Florida Gators; Albert and Alberta are the alligator mascots
- Home sports venue
- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, also known as Florida Field or “The Swamp”
- Main campus address
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
- Phone
- 352-392-3261 (university information)
- Website
- ufl.edu
- Official details
- UF facts · stadium information
2. Florida State University (FSU) — Tallahassee
FSU pairs a deep liberal-arts tradition with nationally recognized research, professional schools, entrepreneurship, arts and performance, and study-abroad opportunities. Its Tallahassee campus puts students in Florida’s capital, where government, policy, public service and community organizations are close at hand. Students can find a spirited residential campus and a broad range of academic paths. FSU’s relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida is a distinctive part of its identity and is treated by the university as a responsibility of respect.
- School size
- 46,184 students (Fall 2025, Tallahassee and branch campuses)
- School year
- 2026–27 calendar: official FSU semester dates
- Mascot / school identity
- Seminoles is the athletics identity. FSU states that it does not designate a mascot; Osceola and Renegade are honored symbols and traditions developed in partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
- Home sports venue
- Bobby Bowden Field at Doak S. Campbell Stadium
- Main campus address
- 222 South Copeland Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306
- Phone
- 850-644-2525
- Website
- fsu.edu
- Official details
- FSU fast facts · stadium information · Seminole Tribe relationship and terminology
3. University of Central Florida (UCF) — Orlando
UCF is a large, energetic university with a strong connection to Central Florida’s aerospace, technology, hospitality, health and entertainment industries. Students can study at the main campus, downtown Orlando, Lake Nona and other locations, and combine coursework with internships, research and community partnerships. Its “SpaceU” history and Knights spirit give the campus a distinctive identity. For students who like big-school opportunities, diverse paths and a city-region full of employers, UCF can be a remarkable launchpad.
- School size
- 70,674 students (Fall 2025)
- School year
- 2026–27 calendars: UCF academic calendar
- Mascot / school identity
- UCF Knights; Knightro is the athletics mascot
- Home sports venue
- FBC Mortgage Stadium, nicknamed the Bounce House
- Main campus address
- 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32816
- Phone
- 407-823-2000
- Website
- ucf.edu
- Official details
- UCF facts and statistics · stadium information · Knightro and UCF traditions
4. University of South Florida (USF) — Tampa Bay
USF connects students with the energy of Tampa Bay and a three-campus university community spanning Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Its strengths include health, engineering, business, education, marine and coastal topics, the arts and high-impact research. Students can build a college experience around an urban campus, a waterfront setting or regional opportunities, while still being part of one university. If you are curious about research that can improve communities and quality of life, USF has many directions to explore.
- School size
- Nearly 50,000 students across campuses (latest university profile)
- School year
- 2026–27 important dates: USF Registrar academic calendars
- Mascot / school identity
- USF Bulls; Rocky D. Bull is the mascot
- Home sports venue
- Raymond James Stadium (football); USF also has on-campus venues for other sports
- Main campus address
- 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620
- Phone
- 813-974-2011
- Website
- usf.edu
- Official details
- USF overview · Rocky the Bull · Raymond James Stadium
5. Florida International University (FIU) — Miami
FIU is a major public research university shaped by Miami’s international outlook and its connections to Latin America, the Caribbean, business, health, engineering, hospitality and the arts. Students find opportunities to work on real-world questions—from hurricane resilience and coastal environments to health innovation and technology—while studying in one of the country’s most globally connected cities. FIU’s size creates many communities and academic choices, and its Miami setting can turn the region itself into an extended classroom.
- School size
- More than 55,000 students (latest university profile)
- School year
- 2026–27 calendar: FIU OneStop academic calendar
- Mascot / school identity
- FIU Panthers; Roary is the Panther mascot
- Home sports venue
- Pitbull Stadium (football); Ocean Bank Convocation Center (basketball)
- Main campus address
- 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199
- Phone
- 305-348-2000
- Website
- fiu.edu
- Official details
- FIU profile · FIU Athletics and venues · Pitbull Stadium announcement
6. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) — Boca Raton
FAU serves coastal Southeast Florida through campuses in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Harbor Branch and Fort Pierce. Its programs span engineering, business, health, education, science, arts and letters, and it offers a close-knit honors experience at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College in Jupiter. Ocean and coastal research are natural parts of the university’s setting, while students can also connect with the region’s growing technology, health and business sectors. Owls pride gives FAU a lively campus spirit.
- School size
- 32,248 students (Fall 2025)
- School year
- 2026–27 calendar: FAU Registrar academic calendars
- Mascot / school identity
- Florida Atlantic Owls; Owlsley and Hoot are the owl mascots
- Home sports venue
- Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium
- Main campus address
- 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431
- Phone
- 561-297-3000
- Website
- fau.edu
- Official details
- FAU overview · Owl traditions · stadium naming information
7. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) — Fort Myers
FGCU brings together a growing university experience and a campus shaped by Southwest Florida’s wetlands, pinewoods, boardwalks and Gulf Coast communities. Its programs cover the arts, business, education, health, engineering, science and the environment, with opportunities for service learning and hands-on projects. Students can enjoy a spirited campus while exploring sustainability, water, coastal resilience and regional entrepreneurship. FGCU’s Eagle identity and “Wings Up” spirit make it easy for students to build a sense of belonging.
- School size
- 16,803 students (Fall 2025)
- School year
- 2026–27 calendar: FGCU academic calendar
- Mascot / school identity
- FGCU Eagles; Azul is the eagle mascot
- Home sports venue
- Alico Arena (basketball and volleyball); FGCU does not sponsor football
- Main campus address
- 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, Fort Myers, FL 33965
- Phone
- 800-590-3428
- Website
- fgcu.edu
- Official details
- FGCU fast facts · Alico Arena · FGCU school spirit
8. Florida A&M University (FAMU) — Tallahassee
FAMU is a public historically Black university with a proud land-grant legacy, a strong tradition of service and a student community that draws from Florida, across the country and around the world. Its academic offerings include agriculture, business, education, engineering, health, pharmacy, law and public health. The Marching “100,” Rattler athletics and the university’s historic Tallahassee campus give FAMU a distinctive cultural and collegiate experience. Students looking for a close community, ambitious programs and a legacy of leadership should put FAMU on their list.
- School size
- Nearly 10,000 students (latest university quick facts)
- School year
- 2026–27 calendar: FAMU Registrar academic calendars
- Mascot / school identity
- Florida A&M Rattlers
- Home sports venue
- Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium
- Main campus address
- 1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32307
- Phone
- 850-599-3796 (admissions and general inquiries)
- Website
- famu.edu
- Official details
- About FAMU · Ken Riley Field and Bragg Stadium · official school-year calendars
9. University of North Florida (UNF) — Jacksonville
UNF gives students the resources of a public university in a campus setting close to Jacksonville’s downtown, beaches, health systems, financial sector and growing technology community. Its academic colleges include business, health, arts and sciences, education, computing, engineering and construction. The campus is known for open green space, nature trails and student involvement, creating a setting that can feel welcoming while still offering a broad range of degrees and research opportunities. UNF’s Ospreys spirit completes the North Florida experience.
- School size
- 17,653 students (Fall 2025)
- School year
- 2026–27 calendars: UNF Registrar calendars
- Mascot / school identity
- UNF Ospreys; Ozzie the Osprey is the mascot
- Home sports venue
- Hodges Stadium (soccer and track & field)
- Main campus address
- 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
- Phone
- 904-620-1000
- Website
- unf.edu
- Official details
- UNF facts and enrollment · Hodges Stadium · UNF university profile
10. University of West Florida (UWF) — Pensacola
UWF offers a student-centered university experience in the Panhandle, with a beautiful wooded campus and additional locations in downtown Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach. Students can explore more than 70 undergraduate programs along with graduate and professional study in areas such as business, education, health, engineering, cybersecurity, archaeology, the arts and marine science. UWF combines small-class opportunities with research and regional connections. Its Gulf Coast setting, Argo traditions and growing campus community make it an appealing choice for Northwest Florida and beyond.
- School size
- 15,411 students (Fall 2025, latest confirmed total)
- School year
- 2026–27 calendar: UWF academic dates and deadlines
- Mascot / school identity
- UWF Argonauts; Argie the Argonaut is the mascot
- Home sports venue
- PenAir Field (football)
- Main campus address
- 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514
- Phone
- 850-474-2000
- Website
- uwf.edu
- Official details
- UWF profile · UWF enrollment update · PenAir Field
11. Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly) — Lakeland
Florida Poly is a distinctive public university built around science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Its focused academic community is designed for students who want to put technical ideas into practice through projects, labs, research and connections with employers. The Lakeland campus has a modern, technology-forward feel, and its Phoenix identity reflects resilience and ambition. A new collegiate athletics program is adding soccer, cross-country, basketball, baseball and softball to the student experience, giving this young university fresh traditions to grow.
- School size
- More than 2,300 students (Fall 2026)
- School year
- 2026–27 calendars: Florida Poly academic calendars
- Mascot / school identity
- Florida Poly Phoenix; Solaris is the mascot
- Home sports venue
- Orlando Health Stadium at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale (soccer); other sports use partner community venues
- Main campus address
- 4700 Research Way, Lakeland, FL 33805
- Phone
- 863-583-9050
- Website
- floridapoly.edu
- Official details
- Florida Poly facts · Solaris the Phoenix · athletics home venues
12. New College of Florida — Sarasota
New College is Florida’s public honors college, offering an intimate liberal-arts-and-sciences experience on a beautiful Sarasota Bay campus. Students can pursue focused majors while building an individualized education through close faculty collaboration, interdisciplinary work and a senior thesis. The small student community can suit intellectually curious students who want to ask big questions and take an active role in shaping their studies. The college’s athletics identity, the Mighty Banyans, is also growing, with soccer and volleyball bringing new campus traditions to life.
- School size
- More than 800 students (latest State University System profile)
- School year
- 2026–27 calendar: New College undergraduate academic calendar
- Mascot / school identity
- New College Mighty Banyans (athletics identity)
- Home sports venue
- NCF Bayfront Field (soccer)
- Main campus address
- 5800 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243
- Phone
- 941-487-4100
- Website
- ncf.edu
- Official details
- New College profile · school-year calendar · NCF Bayfront Field
Not sure a four-year university is your first step?
Florida also has 28 Florida College System institutions, including state colleges with associate degrees, workforce certificates, bachelor’s programs, flexible campuses and transfer pathways. Starting close to home can be a smart, confident way to build credits and momentum before transferring to a university. Many students explore a “2+2” route: complete an associate degree, meet the transfer requirements and continue toward a bachelor’s degree. Always confirm the program map and transfer agreement with both schools before choosing courses.
Explore the official Florida College System directory for all 28 colleges. Florida also has independent private colleges and universities; FloridaShines’ college search is a helpful starting point for comparing additional options.
The on-site guide to those 28 colleges is Florida’s 28 state colleges. Hands-on career training is on the Florida trade schools guide, with public technical colleges, career centers, and apprenticeships.
How to choose a Florida campus that feels right
- Start with what you want to learn. Search majors, minors, internships, research and licensure requirements—not just the university’s name.
- Compare campus scale and setting. Large universities offer many programs and activities; smaller campuses may provide a more intimate environment. The best fit is personal.
- Visit in person or online. Take a tour, sit in on an information session, explore housing and dining, and ask students what they enjoy about ordinary weekday life.
- Use net-price and aid tools. Compare tuition, fees, housing, transportation and financial aid. Ask each school’s financial-aid office about grants, scholarships, work-study and deadlines.
- Think about transfer options early. If you may begin at a state college, work with advisors on a transfer plan so your credits apply to the intended bachelor’s degree.
- Look for a community. Honors programs, student organizations, research teams, cultural groups, service projects and athletics can help a big university feel smaller.
- Check the calendar and your logistics. Compare term dates, commute, transit, housing availability and whether your desired program starts in fall, spring or summer.
Frequently asked questions about going to college in Florida
How many public universities are in Florida?
Florida’s State University System has 12 public universities. This guide profiles all 12. The separate Florida College System includes 28 state colleges.
Which Florida university has the most students?
Among these schools, UCF reports 70,674 students for Fall 2025, while UF reports 63,148 for Fall 2025. Enrollment totals are updated each year and reporting methods can differ, so use the official fact page linked in each school profile for the latest figure.
What does “school year” mean here?
Each school profile links to that institution’s official 2026–27 academic calendar. The calendars show the current school-year dates, registration periods, breaks, exams and other deadlines. Always confirm dates with the registrar before making plans.
Do all the universities have football stadiums?
No. Some have football stadiums; others’ most recognizable home venues are arenas or soccer fields. The venue listed in each profile is a useful athletics landmark, not a complete list of every facility.
Are mascot names always straightforward?
Most schools use a mascot or team character. FSU handles its Seminole identity differently: it states that Osceola and Renegade are honored symbols and a tradition created in partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, rather than calling them the university’s mascot. The profile links to FSU’s explanation.
Where can I compare private colleges and state colleges?
Use the official Florida Department of Education and FloridaShines links above to broaden your search. Compare each school’s recognition, program accreditation, transfer terms, total cost and student support before enrolling.
Official sources
- State University System of Florida: member universities and profiles.
- State University System: university fact books.
- Florida Department of Education: all 28 state colleges.
- FloridaShines: college and university search.
- Enrollment and athletics information is linked to the individual institutions and their official athletic departments within each profile.
More on this site: Florida trade schools, Florida’s 28 state colleges, Florida's top 100 industries, and Help Wanted.
Florida has room for your next chapter. Whether you picture a big campus, a small honors community, a coastal research lab, a lively game day or a transfer pathway close to home, take the time to explore. Ask questions, visit if you can, and choose the place where your curiosity and goals can grow.
Enrollment counts are snapshots and may use different reporting dates. Academic calendars and sports venue names can change. Verify the latest information with the university before applying or making financial decisions. A listing on this page is not an endorsement.