Forbes ranks UF No. 5 among the nation’s best public universities

Forbes has named the University of Florida the No. 5 public university in the nation and among the top institutions in the country for return on investment, according to the newly released rankings for 2026.  

Solidifying its reputation as a leader in producing “successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds, with less student debt,” according to Forbes, UF was named the No. 30 university overall in the United States and the highest-ranking Florida school.

“This is proof that the University of Florida is going forward at full speed. Our energy and our drive are stronger than ever, and we are not about to slow down,” said Mori Hosseini, UF Board of Trustees chair. “UF is a gem – a powerhouse of research and economic development, and an outstanding investment for the state of Florida. While other schools are stepping back, UF is leaning in and leading the way.”

For its “Top 25 Public Colleges” rankings, Forbes used the same methodology to determine the 500 institutions on the “America’s Top Colleges” list — a formula that prioritizes high alumni salaries, great academic outcomes (including those for low-income students) and strong returns on student investment. The University of California-Berkeley was ranked No. 1, followed by the University of California-Los Angeles, the University of California-San Diego, the University of Michigan, and UF.

“The Forbes recognition, combined with our record-breaking year for research funding and increase in applications, shows just how much UF is thriving and setting the standard for institutions throughout Florida and the world,” UF Interim President Kent Fuchs said.

Forbes pointed to UF’s strong value as a defining factor in its national recognition. Florida offers the lowest tuition in the country while boasting excellent student outcomes, including high job placement rates and competitive salaries for new graduates.

In addition, UF reached a milestone this past fiscal year, securing a record $1.33 billion in research funding to advance lifesaving discoveries and technological solutions. UF also raised more than $560 million in new gifts and commitments, making the past fiscal year the strongest for fundraising in the past three years.

In addition, UF received 91,884 applications for roughly 7,500 spots in the Class of 2029 — a 23% increase over last year and the highest in the university’s history, with the most academically competitive pool yet.

For more information on the Forbes rankings, visit forbes.com/top-colleges.