2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy in Florida

• Gainesville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  8,004 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 8,004 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $9,809

• SAT range 1300-1470

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  2,707 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 2,707 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 35%

• Net price $12,539

• SAT range 1010-1150

• Coral Gables, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  3,028 reviews

Freshman: I'm having a great time at UM! Move-in is phenomenal; the school provides professional movers to help families unload their vehicles and get students' belongings to the rooms. Orientation programming is fun and includes a variety of activities for students and parents. Class registration for engineering students is completely stress-free. On top of it all, classes are going well. If I had to do all over again, UM would still be my #1 choice.... Read 3,028 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 28%

• Net price $34,492

• SAT range 1300-1460

• Tampa, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  7,471 reviews

Freshman: I honestly didn’t think I would love USF as much as I do! Do to get me wrong, it is far from perfect, but it is slowly becoming home. Pros: the community is great, campus is huge so there’s always things to do! The games are awesome, the events are fun, there’s always free merch, information and even food from time to time. The library is the perfect place for studying and the structure is amazing. Cons: I wish there was more variety in the dining halls specifically if you’re trying to keep healthy. Some services don’t work great, like contacting the university through email, submitting documents, submitting proof of health insurance, and because of that many people get holds that take months to solve and can even get dropped of their classes. I also wish there were more on-campus job opportunities considering how big the university is. Overall a great college experience so far!... Read 7,471 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $10,004

• SAT range 1160-1320

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  7,569 reviews

Junior: As a junior and a current student at FSU, I have to say that my experience has been nothing short of amazing. I've had the privilege of spending three incredible years at this institution, and my love for FSU only grows stronger. The campus is not only stunning but also feels like a second home. The professors and staff are truly exceptional, always willing to support and guide us on our academic journey. The opportunities for personal and professional growth are endless, and the diverse range of courses keeps me engaged and excited about learning. But what truly sets FSU apart is the sense of community. The friendships I've formed and the memories I've created here are invaluable. As a junior, I can confidently say that FSU has exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to see what my senior year holds. If you're considering FSU, I can't recommend it enough – it's a place where you'll thrive and create lifelong memories. Go Noles!... Read 7,569 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $12,684

• SAT range 1180-1340

• Miami, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  1,410 reviews

Freshman: My school is incredible. Seriously, it's not just a place for classes; it's like a second home. The teachers here are on a whole different level of awesome. They're not just about throwing facts at us; they want us to love learning. It's contagious. You can feel their passion, and it makes every class exciting. I've got to give it to them; they go above and beyond. It's not just about the grades; they want us to think critically, be responsible, and grow as individuals. And guess what? The extracurriculars are so much fun! There's something for everyone, from clubs to sports. It's not just about hitting the books. But it's not just the academics and activities that make this place special. It's the people. The sense of community here is unreal. It's like having a bunch of friends who also happen to be your teachers.It's not just shaping my grades; it's shaping me.... Read 1,410 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $18,390

• SAT range 930-1080

• Miami, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  7,424 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 7,424 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $9,398

• SAT range 1060-1240

• Orlando, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  22,255 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 22,255 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 36%

• Net price $11,575

• SAT range 1170-1350

• Pensacola, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,826 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 1,826 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $10,344

• SAT range 1040-1230

• Boca Raton, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  4,922 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 4,922 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $8,771

• SAT range 1020-1200

• Lakeland, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  1,458 reviews

Senior: Wonderful University! The teachers are highly passionate and care about what they are teaching. I love the atmosphere of the school and all the places to hangout throughout the campus. Portico Coffee has been a go-to for a morning coffee, a between-classes break or a place to do homework. The campus is beautiful and I especially love all the tropical trees and kept-up garden work. I look forward to coming to school daily!... Read 1,458 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $27,536

• SAT range 960-1180

• Fort Lauderdale, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  2,041 reviews

Other: As an online student, my experience thus far has been quite straightforward. I deem professors very respectable with regards to their assessments as well as very understanding of students. Despite minor complications with registration and advising at times, I would like for advisors to be more informed about the processes I billed when advising students in their particular positions in order to give the right guidance. Apart from this, NSU has been a splendid university for me to attend so far! I am very motivated to learn and complete assignments and I look forward to more in the near future!... Read 2,041 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $26,530

• SAT range 1040-1310

• Saint Leo, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  1,902 reviews

Senior: My experience with the college has been pretty positive, I think it has its pros and cons just like any college. They have done very well with keeping in contact with me about anything I need and have kept in touch about my mental health throughout the program, which is something I have found that not many colleges take into consideration especially with how intense the program can get. I think the only real downside I have found is that the classes and teachers can be intense sometimes but I am on track to get my degree much faster so I can't complain too much!... Read 1,902 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $18,336

• SAT range 930-1150

• Saint Augustine, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,077 reviews

Freshman: I am so glad I decided to attend Flagler in St Augustine. This school felt like home from the minute I toured it before my senior year of high school. The school is small but large enough to have a wide variety of clubs and activities. Class size is also small which is great because my teachers know me by name and they are really easy to approach with questions or for extra help. I also love the fact that as a first year special Ed major I’ve already been exposed to an elementary classroom environment, cementing the fact that I made the right choice for a future career. I’ve made so many new friends since August and despite a hurricane scare during the second week of classes the Florida weather has been awesome. I’ve been able to try surfing and kayaking which are things I would not have the opportunity to try at other schools. Flagler is a great small school with a large school feel!... Read 1,077 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $24,798

• SAT range 990-1180

• Fort Myers, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  2,656 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 2,656 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $9,840

• SAT range 1010-1180

• Lake Wales, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  224 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Warner has been life changing! Our classroom settings are centered on Christ and how we can equip ourselves to serve him best in our professions. I have been able to get to know my professors on a personal level as well due to our smaller class sizes. Our staff does an incredible job of pouring into all of us spiritually and academically and I ur Student Life Office provides so many opportunities for students to get involved with our community. I encourage anyone who’s interested to come and visit campus!... Read 224 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $19,143

• SAT range 830-1070

• Jacksonville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  2,997 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 2,997 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $7,746

• SAT range 1000-1210

• Fort Pierce, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  1,372 reviews

Sophomore: The first thing I can say about Indian River State College (IRSC), specifically Massey Campus-- I haven't been to the other campuses-- is that my experience with advisors has been the best. The advisors here are so thorough and understanding, even if that means supporting your goals of going to another school. They genuinely provide comfort and the best advisory for your personal ambitions. If I could change anything, it would be the professors! It definitely depends, but I would say some professors here should not have the ability to teach...I'm sorry, but I'm being truthful. What I do love is the atmosphere of the school. Even though it is small, so there is not much student life, but the staff makes do with what they have and I love the intention of inclusion and support/community for the student body.... Read 1,372 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,902

• SAT range —

• Jacksonville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  2,294 reviews

Junior: My experience at FSCJ has been great! I graduated high school in 2006 so it was hard to get back into the swing of things. The advisors and everyone I’ve spoken with have been soo encouraging and nothing short of amazing. I often call with questions and everyone is soo patient. Wether it’s an advisor or financial aid, everyone has been very thorough with helping me. There’s also lots of class options to fit my busy schedule. I’m a single parent of 2 and work full time, there’s lots of evening options available in order to allow me to work, be a parent, and excel in my studies.... Read 2,294 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,062

• SAT range —

• Tampa, FL•

• 2 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  1,235 reviews

Freshman: There are so many aspects that I absolutely love about UMA, however if I had to pick my favorite it would most definitely be all of the resources they have to offer to students to help them succeed. From an online school library to one-on-one messaging between instructors and students. They also have assignment help from their student help center. They literally make sure you have every too to succeed. There isn't anything I would like to see changed. I think UMA is great all the way around. Proud to be a PUMA!... Read 1,235 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $18,241

• SAT range —

• St. Petersburg, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  2,684 reviews

Senior: I can't say enough about my time at St. Petersburg College. I am finishing up my degree in Public Policy this coming semester. Everyone has been extremely supportive and I was so impressed with how they made the process as easy as possible. Obviously you have to put in the work, but you will never feel alone. The business office, student support services, and every single professor made the experience positive for me. If you have thought about finishing up an associate or bachelor degree - do it! I promise it will be much less difficult than you're thinking.... Read 2,684 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $2,477

• SAT range —

• Lake Worth, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  3,238 reviews

Graduate Student: The professors were excellent! I had many that engaged with their students, always ensuring the class was on everyone's level while also going at a pace where everyone understood the assignment. The professors also weren't pushy and didn't pile up work on students, they understood we had lives to tend to and made it manageable to work with. The school and faculty themselves also were elementary and forward going, if you had a question it would be answered, and if we had opinions about something they never went unheard. The campus itself was very safe, I never had any issues of being scared to walk from the building to my car, and I made friends very quickly and connected well too. People on campus were non-judgemental, very open, very spirited, and fun to laugh and hang around with! Great school and I would 100% recommend it to anyone going to college for the first time! Invest in going to palm beach state!... Read 3,238 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,277

• SAT range —

• Clearwater, FL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  657 reviews

Junior: Ultimate Medical Academy is the best decision I ever made! If I had to do it all over again, I definitely would. It was a great experience from beginning to end and everyone I encountered was so friendly and eager to help. They checked in on me often and made sure I was ok and did not need any help with school or anything personal. They made it very easy to want to keep going. Their encouraging words kept me motivated to do the best I could on all of my studies. Without UMA I would not be where I am today about to graduate with my Associates degree. After graduation I will be attending a UMA sister school, Purdue Global University, to obtain my bachelor's degree. I may even decide to go farther in the long run. Either way, my educational journey all began because UMA took a chance on me and gave me an opportunity succeed and reach my full potential. Once I graduate, I will be the second person in my household to achieve their Associates degree from Ultimate Medical Academy!... Read 657 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $18,475

• SAT range —

• Ocala, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  546 reviews

Junior: I am a current online student at Rasmussen University studying Early Childhood Education. I am enrolled in the Bachelor completer program for my major. The online program at Rasmussen is the best online program I have been a part of. I have attended school online at two other colleges before, and this is by far the best. The online platform is easy to navigate, the instructors are intentional, and the layout of the classes is perfect for working individuals and families. The technology support is also a great resource for those who need assistance navigating through the program. I love being a part of Rasmussen University!... Read 546 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $17,820

• SAT range —

• Hialeah, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  148 reviews

Graduate Student: My experience with this University is awesome! The entire faculty is dedicated to assisting students with all of the necessary tools with which to succeed in completing their degrees and in their personal lives with additional advising, counseling/recommendations. They all go above and beyond in order to achieve the intended goals: to make the student feel valued, and comfortable while ensuring the most smoothest time during their enrollment process as possible! Personalized attention and just an overall great experience!... Read 148 reviews

• grade D+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $19,884

• SAT range —