Gainesville, Fla. — The University of Florida ranks seventh among public universities across the country, marking the eighth consecutive year when the school is in the top 10, according to the 2026 US News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings released Monday.
UF also ranked 30th overall compared to all universities, public and private universities, strengthening its reputation for academic strength, research innovation and student achievement.
Mori Hoseini, chairman of the UF board of directors, praised the university’s faculty, staff and students for maintaining high school status.
“UF’s rankings among the best public universities in the country reflect the dedication of our faculty, staff and students and the strong support we receive from Florida where we are grateful,” Hoseni said. “Again, this is evidence that the future for the University of Florida is as bright as ever. We refuse to be late.”
Interim President Donald Landry said the perception reflects more than a decade of investment and growth.
“The UF’s position reflects a decade of collaborative efforts supported by historic national investment and federal research funding, encouraging student achievements, research outcomes and having a deeper impact on Florida’s economy,” Landry says. “Our future is one of the thriving students, groundbreaking research and signalling services to our state.
US News & World Report is based on annual rankings on factors such as graduation rates and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni gifts.

In addition to US news rankings, UF recently gained recognition from Forbes. Forbes placed the university in fifth place among public institutions across the country.
