2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in Florida

• Gainesville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  7,976 reviews

Sophomore: The student organizations, resources for students, and variety of courses is incredible. Every day I discover a new opportunity for professional and personal growth and the resources for mental and physical health are phenomenal. The fitness centers on campus have classes, personal training, and top notch equipment. There are so many ways to get involved and a club for EVERY interest, both personal and professional. My only complaints are that the advisors can be hit or miss. Some advisors are incredible and give you a breath of information and provide you with a ton of resources but some advisors left me with more questions than answers. Some of the professors are amazing and passionate and the reason why I changed my major to economics. On the other hand some professors were so incredibly bad that I changed my major to something outside of their discipline. Some professors courses are incredibly unorganized and were more about them showing off than helping students. Great school!... Read 7,976 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $9,809

• SAT range 1300-1470

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  7,537 reviews

Sophomore: Florida State University has offered an incredibly positive, educational experience for me thus far. I've made several friends in my major and have had nothing but successful and beneficial interactions with me professors and peers. There is still a lot I'm learning about my checklist and goals for my career path which I've especially enjoyed. Learning to network and get out of my comfort zone socially to discover more about my educational and post graduation plans has opened up several opportunities for me that I never would've thought possible before coming to FSU. I can't wait for all the future experiences and opportunities that are still yet to come for me here!... Read 7,537 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $12,684

• SAT range 1180-1340

• Tampa, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  7,417 reviews

Sophomore: As a student at the University of South Florida, my experience has been truly rewarding. The university offers a diverse and inclusive environment, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The faculty is knowledgeable and supportive, encouraging academic growth and critical thinking. USF provides numerous opportunities for extracurricular involvement, enriching my college journey. From state-of-the-art facilities to a vibrant campus life, USF has made my time here unforgettable and has prepared me for a promising future. Go Bulls! 🤘🏼... Read 7,417 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $10,004

• SAT range 1160-1320

• Orlando, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  22,195 reviews

Freshman: I am an early admittance student slated to begin my journey as a college freshman during my senior year of high school at UCF starting in August of 2023. My experience has been incredibly positive so far beginning with my initial tour of the campus, through the application and acceptance process and lastly checking off my "to do" checklist in order to be ready for orientation. Every campus employee that I have encountered has been welcoming, encouraging and informative which has alleviated much of the pressure of being a first time college student! I highly recommend this institution of higher education!... Read 22,195 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 36%

• Net price $11,575

• SAT range 1170-1350

• Miami, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  7,390 reviews

Freshman: I started attending Florida International University this summer and I absolutely love it. This is the only University that attracted me in Florida. The diversity in this school is truly incredible, there’s so many people from different backgrounds and it’s nice to get to know them. The people there also feel very welcoming and inclusive, and that’s what I really look for in a school. It lets make me gain more knowledge and become less ignorant of others. The professors I’ve had so far are incredible too, they are understanding and good at teaching. It feels like there is a strong support system and you can go to people when you feel troubled. The only bad thing is the parking situation because it can get very complicated at time but its something that can be fixed very quickly. I still love it there tho!... Read 7,390 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $9,398

• SAT range 1060-1240

• Sarasota, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  99 reviews

Alum: I had an extraordinary time at USFSM! While they did not have dorms, they made up for it in events and camaraderie. There is always something going on at USFSM - whether it is during Week of Welcome, or Relaxation week during Finals, or presentations, the campus is buzzing. Everyone at USFSM, including the chancellor, is easily accessible. Everyone wants you to be successful, and provides you with the tools to do so. You can join student government, any club you can imagine, or nothing at all. There was never a time where I felt I wasn't welcomed. There are no "cliques" either. Everyone was friendly and approachable.... Read 99 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 24%

• Net price $2,734

• SAT range 1160-1290

• St. Petersburg, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  540 reviews

Freshman: As a freshman here attending the University of South Florida - St. Petersburg, I can say that the overall experience is very great! All of the staff are welcoming and very hospitable, the upperclassmen are helpful, and the classes are great as well! On the topic of classes, because this campus is smaller than the main campus, it only takes less than 10 minutes to get to class. To add, It also not difficult to make friends either, especially through the many fun events and clubs that the university hosts.... Read 540 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 27%

• Net price $10,841

• SAT range 1140-1280

• Naples, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Alum: Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology is an institute designed to encourage people to surpass themselves and jump directly into the workforce through the means of getting qualifications which are enticing to job providers. They also encourage students to do their best and provide the means to be able to surpass themselves with their own efforts.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,795

• SAT range —

• Daytona Beach, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  402 reviews

Niche User: I'm in the worldwide dual enrollment program, and I finished my first course about a month ago. I took Calculus and Analytical Geometry I, and it was great! Despite my initial nervousness about the online delivery, the activities (weekly written discussions, homework, quizzes, videos on the topics, MATLAB tutorials...) didn't feel repetitive/boring. They helped me understand the concepts very well. I also had a positive experience with my academic advisor, who helped me through the application process and responded quickly to my emails. Although I have to say, the cost per credit is a bit high for me (higher education is free where I live).... Read 402 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $15,600

• SAT range —

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  2,694 reviews

Junior: I mostly thoroughly have enjoyed my time at Florida A&M University. The school offers a plethora of opportunities and displays a wide variety of education paths. FAMU is very inclusive and is filled with innumerable opportunities to gain real world experience in order to better prepare their students for their futures. Personally, as a business administration scholar, I am rewarded the opportunity to converse with some of the most profound leaders of some of the world's most successful corporations such as Wells Fargo, Capital One, Boehringer Ingelheim, and many more at our Weekly Forum meetings. This is one of my favorite perks, as it allows the students to gain first hand knowledge. Consequently, I believe that the school could improve on its overall service to students & parents. With heavy traffic, getting half from campus staff is not alway the smoothest process. Overall, the school's morale, culture, and opportunities are like none other!... Read 2,694 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 35%

• Net price $12,539

• SAT range 1010-1150

• Pensacola, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,819 reviews

Freshman: I’m a biomedical science major and I have absolutely loved it! I’m from Wyoming and it feels like a home away from home. Classes are challenging, yet professors really work with you to make sure you’re at your full potential. I’ve joined so many things that I would’ve never imagined, joined AED (Alpha Epsilon Delta) which is a medical honor society with many volunteer opportunities, rushed for a sorority and have met so many people. It’s crazy to me how kind people are here, always smiling and wanting to talk. On top of everything the campus is absolutely gorgeous and has its own hiking trails. If I could go back and look for a college again, I wouldn’t change my decision.... Read 1,819 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $10,344

• SAT range 1040-1230

• Ocala, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  29 reviews

Junior: I love it so far. I just started in the radiologic technology program there and I was able to apply early, and the staff was very accepting and helpful with that. They provided me will all the information and handouts that I needed, the day that I asked for them, and even after office hours which I appreciate SO much. They are extremely organized and they show so much care to their students already and they’re very attentive to our needs. The instructors are very big on emphasizing that if we need academic help the doors are always open to us and I love that. Everyone there also has an amazing personality and they’re all so different and likes me in their own ways. This makes me really interested in what they have to say and makes me want to learn more. Plus they do hands on activities which I love and they review with us.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,080

• SAT range —

• Saint Petersburg, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  19 reviews

Niche User: I enjoyed my instructors the most and the hands on experience is great! They make it easy to understand and will work one on one with you if needed. They make sure their students retain information before they move on and they never leave a student behind.... Read 19 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,353

• SAT range —

• Jacksonville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  2,974 reviews

Junior: Nursing. Financial aid office A+: knowledge, kind, helpful. Doesn't brush you off. General admissions is disorganized and unhelpful with the exception of one individual I came across, as is nursing admissions. Admin in my major could use some executive couching to improve organizational & communication skills. If you go into the program being prepared to deal with these realities, you will be able to enjoy the many positives the nursing programs UNF offers. Most professors are competent & kind, good clinical opportunities & experience, good teamwork among cohorts. Every nursing program will have it's positives & negative, but UNF is still pretty darn good! While I believe UNF tuition is a hair cheaper than UF, I believe UF has more substantial scholarship opportunities. The additional costs associated with UNF's program (supplies, required purchases) are surprisingly high & higher than what is published on the dept. page, so please research to make best decision for YOU.... Read 2,974 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $7,746

• SAT range 1000-1210

• Madison, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  144 reviews

Sophomore: Great College! it might not be as big as other colleges but it definitely provides all the help you need and the professors are always there when you need them. Being in a small college has a lot of benefits, you receive more help in all areas whether it advising, financial aid office, or tutors.... Read 144 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,910

• SAT range —

• Sarasota, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  466 reviews

Alum: The academics and professors are excellent! I picked NCF because of the small class sizes and private school feel. It was helpful to have a faculty advisor in my discipline throughout my time here, and I am thankful she pushed me to take courses outside my major. It is a plus to have established positive relationships with multiple professors in my field. I highly recommend using the on-campus resources (Writing Resource Center, Center for Engagement and Opportunity, librarians, Counseling and Wellness Center, etc.). I enjoyed living in Sarasota (there is a lot to do) and using the bayfront. The only downsides of the college are the food (quality + meal times) and how hard it can be to fit in and make friends (even when active on campus). If given a choice, I would pick NCF again, as I have grown intellectually and feel prepared for grad school due to the rigor of the courses.... Read 466 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $9,727

• SAT range 1120-1340

• Hollywood, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  52 reviews

Freshman: Sheridan technical is a great school. Most of my friends have studied there and told me that the teachings at the school is very impressive. They offer certificates and degrees in various fields of studies. I am going to be majoring in Information Technologies and my advisor has been awesome. She has made the registration process so easy and has been very helpful. Personally I would recommend this college to anyone, especially now that we are living in a day and age where a bachelor degree is not needed for most careers. You can receive a certificate will little to no debt and start working immediately.... Read 52 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,077

• SAT range —

• Bradenton, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  31 reviews

Freshman: I have taken multiple technical classes with this school and have recently enrolled in another. The teachers all work together to make sure the students pass all the state/national certifications they are given. Often times the classes mix together to get different ways of performing the same task. Overall I would recommend this class or the school to anyone asking.... Read 31 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,233

• SAT range —

• Boca Raton, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  4,893 reviews

Sophomore: I have had such a great time at FAU for the past year. Both Boca and Jupiter are such wonderful places to be in; the areas are relatively safe, bustling with life, and help me develop people skills and get out in the world. The facilities are top tier and the staff really care about my path in life. I have met future bridesmaids, fell in love with academia, and felt so free yet supported in college. All my classes have been really great and very helpful for my career goal. There have been bumps in the road, but the tutoring, support/therapy groups, friends, and overall faculty/staff/students have been incredible. The housing is also comfortable and beautiful. The alumni network is great; I have made friends with people who walk by and see my Owl sticker or my shirt. They are always so curious as to how school is, and I cannot help but gush about how wonderful it has been so far. To many more years!... Read 4,893 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $8,771

• SAT range 1020-1200

• Fort Myers, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  2,639 reviews

Alum: I enrolled at FGCU as part of the Accelerated Collegiate experience program (ACE) which is an opportunity given to local high school students to advance and obtain a collegiate education. I was and still am very interested in pursuing medical school; the advising department was nonexistent for this, but with online resources, you can compensate. FGCU had great opportunities in the form of research opportunities for those interested. I completed research and was even published! Further, I also had the opportunity to be involved in other activities such as recreation soccer and volunteering. I co-founded a volunteering organization.... Read 2,639 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $9,840

• SAT range 1010-1180

• Orlando, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  8 reviews

Niche User: I was a dual-enrollment student in OTC Mid Florida campus, and it was a really good experience. They have all the required equipment for the things you want to major in, and it's a good way to save on some money while going to school. Would recommend.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,749

• SAT range —

• Lake City, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  378 reviews

Sophomore: Florida Gateway College is a great school! There are so many activities and options open for a student. There are always events going on and the professor comes to the activities, even when they start during your class time. The professors are great teachers, in the short amount of time you get with them, you get to them know them and they get to know you. There is associability between the library, student center, and student success center. You can study, do homework, find tutors, and even make new friends! Florida Gateway is a wonderful public college that I have enjoyed, the advisors are so friendly and helpful. I recommend FGC to all my friends looking for a great college to go to, I know the big named schools like UF and FSU are places that everyone wants to go but FGC is an amazing environment and their options for classes and degrees are wonderful as well. I have enjoyed my time at FGC and if I ever want to go back, I know I will always be welcomed!... Read 378 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $2,803

• SAT range —

• Davie, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: It's a wildly diverse school, both for high school and college students. While school hours overlap for the two groups, college and hs students rarely interact, and it's encouraged we don't interact at all. There's good financial support and many classes to aid those with sensory disabilities and a few ESOL classes too. You can tell the teachers really care about their students. No athletic department or dorms, since it's simply a technical college. They prepare you for a job straight out of schooling, though, and there are apartments and houses all over the area. The food is FANTASTIC, the culinary program makes all of the food fresh every day, and they hire experienced people to help with said food. There's also Papa John's pizza and vending machines everywhere, so for such a small school, it's impossible to go hungry.... Read 20 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,094

• SAT range —

• Marianna, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  172 reviews

Alum: Chipola College offered an escape from the hellish nature of high school. I began my journey here during my junior year. As a dual enrolled student, I needed a flexible schedule. I was able to take classes early in the morning and late in the evening. I attribute much of my success to the thoughtfulness of my professors. My high school was failing to teach me what I needed to know. Then, I attended Chipola and finally felt like I was being reasonably prepared for life beyond the small town I inhabited. I eventually became a full time student and graduated with a 4.0 GPA and an AA degree. I rarely filled out surveys to admit my satisfaction with the program, but I hope that one day I will be what this establishment helped me to be.... Read 172 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,360

• SAT range —

• Inverness, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  17 reviews

Niche User: So far, my experience has been great at WTC! All of the staff is very welcoming, kind, and helpful; the classes are very affordable with a fair amount of assistance for those in need of it; and the instructors truly try their best to create curricula that is actually relevant to your field and the certifications you should be taking at the end of the course.... Read 17 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,564

• SAT range —