25 Top Private Colleges In Florida 2024

· Updated May 12, 2024 · 11 minutes · by Kamerpower ·

25 Top Private Colleges In Florida. A private college is a higher education institution that does not receive funds from the state. The private schools range from small colleges in the panhandle of Florida to large schools in along the Atlantic coastline and all points in between. 

Top ranked private colleges in Florida include the following institutions: Embry Riddle, Full Sail, Florida National, Southwest Florida, University of Miami, Florida Tech, Stetson, and Chamberlain.

Private institutions in the state of Florida are as diverse as the students that study at the schools, providing substantial opportunity for students to learn and grow in a particular area of interest. You will typically find that a private university will have lower student to teacher ratios, smaller class sizes, and a greater degree of access to professors versus public colleges.

List of Private Colleges In Florida

• DeVry University
• ECPI University.
• Trinity International University.
• West Coast University
• Florida National University
• Full Sail University
• Herzing University.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
• Johnson University Florida.
• Ana G. Mendez University System
• Art Institute of Tampa
• Strayer University.
• Trinity Baptist College
• Baptist College of Florida.
• Chamberlain University.
• City College – Fort Lauderdale.
• Columbia College.
• Miami International University of Art & Design.
• Rasmussen College.
• South University.

The degree programs you decide to follow will wholly depend on your specific interests, abilities, and talents coupled with designated programs offered by the college. You may find an exciting future in an area of study that support the Florida region and its demographic grouping in sustainability, environmental biology, oncology, solar energy technology, water resource science, public health, gerontology, surveying technology, marine biology, dialysis, or tourism.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend a Private College or University in Florida?

According to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees for 2020-2021 was $32,825 for private four-year colleges and universities in Florida. It was $4,463 for public four-year colleges in the state. The average cost of room and board was $6,774 for public schools and $7,581 for private institutions.

Advantages of Attending a Private College or University in Florida

• Private colleges and universities may offer more undergraduate research opportunities. 
• There are more private colleges in Florida than public colleges, so students are more likely to live close to a private college.
• Private colleges and universities may offer smaller classes and more individualized attention. 
• Private colleges and universities often offer more financial aid.

What is the cheapest college in Florida?

The cheapest colleges in Florida include Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University and Florida Gulf Coast University.

Best Private Colleges In Florida 2024

1. Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico-Miami.

Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico-Miami, located in Miami, Florida, often ranks as one of the best schools. Students learn from experts in multiple disciplines. Academic and technical programs help students reach their professional goals. Consult the institution’s website to find information on the typical timeline for program completion. Applicants may qualify for a waiver for standardized test scores.

2. Albizu University-Miami

As one of the top private colleges in Florida, Albizu University-Miami grants college degrees as a private institution. With both academic and technical programs, the school helps students reach their professional goals. Learners complete lower-division and upper-division coursework to earn a bachelor’s degree. Undergraduates also complete general education classes. Upper-division requirements focus on advanced concepts within a major.

3. Atlantis University.

Atlantis University enrolls learners in 17 programs. Students enjoy rigorous programs that rank among the best in the nation. The student-to-faculty ratio at the institution is 25-to-1. 89% of students receive some form of financial aid. The private institution reports a graduation rate of 94%. The institution’s commitment to experiential learning helps students enter the workforce.

4. The University of Tampa

Florida, The University of Tampa enrolls students as a private institution. Learners take courses with experts in diverse disciplines. Students who complete an academic or technical program often enter the workforce right away. Students can fund their education with financial aid such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants. A total of 98% of students receive financial aid and 51% take out loans at the institution.

5. Ringling College of Art and Design

Ringling College of Art and Design grants college degrees as a private institution. The school offers academic and technical programs to help learners reach their educational goals. The institution’s degree and certificate programs offer coursework that allows students to strengthen their skills. Some programs offer a waiver for standardized test scores. The waiver makes it simpler to apply.

6. Cambridge Institute of Allied Health & Technology.

Another top private colleges in Florida is Cambridge Institute of Allied Health & Technology which offers 6 academic programs. Degree-seekers enroll in rigorous, top-ranked programs at the school. The school boasts a 25-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school reports that 91% of students receive financial aid. The private school reports a 63% graduation rate.

7. Talmudic College of Florida.

Talmudic College of Florida enrolls students at its Miami Beach, Florida campus as a private institution. Enrollees take courses with experts in diverse disciplines. The college offers academic and technical programs that prepare graduates for the workforce. The institution’s cost per credit is unknown. At the accredited school, learners qualify for financial aid, including federal loans, scholarships, and grants.

8. Full Sail University

As one of the best private colleges in Florida, Full Sail is an award-winning educational leader for those pursuing careers in entertainment, media, arts and technology. On-campus and online degree programs are available in areas related to art and design, business, film and television, games, media and communications, music and recording, sports, and technology. Full Sail students have access to state-of-the-art facilities including The Smart Lab and The Fortress, the largest esports facility on any campus in the U.S.

9. College of Business and Technology-Hialeah

From its campus in Hialeah, Florida, College of Business and Technology-Hialeah offers academic programs as a private institution. Students complete programs that prepare them for careers and professional advancement. Degree-seekers benefit from academically rigorous programs at an affordable price. Many of the school’s programs appear in national rankings. Data on the school’s average cost per credit is unavailable. Students attending the accredited institution may qualify for federal financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant.

10. San Ignacio University

The San Ignacio University offers 14 program options for students. Degree-seekers enroll in rigorous, top-ranked programs at the school. The school maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 6-to-1. Approximately 100% of students at this institution fund their education, at least in part, with financial aid. The school reports a graduation rate of 63%.

11. St. John Vianney College Seminary.

St. John Vianney College Seminary, located in Miami, Florida, welcomes students with 2 program options. The institution’s top-ranked programs offer a rigorous course of study. The school provides a student-to-faculty ratio of 4-to-1. According to the institution, 30% of students receive some form of financial aid. Students earn their degree from the school at a rate of 100%.

12. University of Miami

The University of Miami of also among the top private colleges in Florida. It grants college degrees as a private institution. With both academic and technical programs, the institution helps students reach their professional goals. During a bachelor’s degree, undergraduates take lower-division and upper-division coursework. Students also complete general education credits. Upper-division requirements emphasize advanced concepts in the major. The school provides support such as tutoring and career services.

13. South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary.

The private institution, South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary enrolls students from its campus in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Learners learn from experts in multiple disciplines. The school offers academic and technical programs that prepare graduates for the workforce or further study. Students at the accredited institution qualify for federal financial aid, including grants and loans.

14. Jose Maria Vargas University

Jose Maria Vargas University, located in Pembroke Pines, Florida, grants degrees and certificates as a private institution. Learners take courses with experts in diverse disciplines. The school offers academic and technical programs that prepare graduates for a successful career. Students at the accredited institution qualify for federal student aid programs, including the Pell Grant.

15. Schiller International University

This university is also on the list of top private colleges in Florida. Schiller International University offers 10 academic programs. Degree-seekers benefit from rigorous programs that rank among the best in the nation. The school reports a 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. According to the institution, 0% of enrollees receive some form of financial aid. Students graduate from the school at a rate of 52%. Graduates often benefit from hands-on experience, which makes them more competitive candidates on the job market.

16. Southeastern University.

A private institution located in Lakeland, Florida, Southeastern University offers a variety of programs. The school offers accredited degrees that prepare students for the workforce. Learners benefit from academically rigorous programs at an affordable price. Multiple programs at the school appear in national rankings. Degree-seekers at this accredited institution may qualify for federal student aid programs, including the Pell Grant.

17. Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando

Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando, located in Florida, offers 4 certificate programs. Learners in the programs complete rigorous curricula to prepare for careers and further studies. Degree-seekers prepare to succeed in professional roles. The college’s focus on experiential learning lets enrollees apply lessons in real-world contexts. The institution holds accreditation, demonstrating the quality of its academic programs.

18. Faith Theological Seminary and Christian College

Located in Florida, Faith Theological Seminary and Christian College offers 20 degree-granting programs. The institution’s rigorous programs rank among the best in the nation. The institution understands that hands-on experience helps job seekers enter the workforce. Degree-seekers participate in internships, research projects, and other forms of experiential learning.

19. Florida Southern College

Florida Southern College ranks as a top private college from its campus in Lakeland, Florida. The college offers a variety of degree-granting programs and courses. With academic and technical tracks, the programs help students reach a variety of career goals. Students can earn an associate degree in two years, a bachelor’s degree in four years, a master’s degree in 1-2 years, or a doctoral degree in 3-7 years.

20. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach offers 55 programs for students. Learners enroll in top-ranked programs that offer a rigorous course of study. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18-to-1. At the institution, 96% of the students receive some form of financial aid. The school reports a graduation rate of 62%.

21. Southeastern College-West Palm Beach

Southeastern College-West Palm Beach enrolls learners in 18 programs. The institution’s programs offer a rigorous course of study. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1. The school reports that 93% of students receive financial aid. The school reports a 67% graduation rate. Graduates often benefit from hands-on experience, which makes them more competitive candidates on the job market.

22. Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology

Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology awards degrees and certificates as a top school. Instructors bring expertise in their fields. The school offers academic and technical tracks to help students meet a variety of professional goals. Depending on the program, students can spend anywhere from a few months up to as many as seven years earning their degree or certificate.

23. Florida College

Florida, Florida College awards degrees and certificates as a private institution. Degree-seekers study with experts in many different fields. The school offers academic and technical programs that prepare graduates for a successful career. Enrollees at the accredited institution qualify for federal student aid programs, including the Pell Grant. At the institution, 98% of students receive financial aid and 60% take out loans.

24. Rollins College

Rollins College, which enrolls students in programs from its Winter Park, Florida campus. The institution offers a variety of degree-granting programs. The programs offer academic and technical tracks to help students meet their career goals. Degree-seekers typically earn an associate degree in two years, a bachelor’s degree in four years, a master’s degree in two, and a doctoral degree in 3-7 years. Many schools no longer require admissions tests such as ACT or SAT scores.

25. College of Business and Technology-Main Campus

College of Business and Technology-Main Campus awards degrees and certificates as a top school. Experts in diverse disciplines teach at the institution. Academic and technical programs help students reach their professional goals. Enrollees earn their degree or certificate in as little time as a few months or as much time as seven years depending on program type and enrollment status. Some applicants qualify for a waiver for standardized test scores.

4-Year Colleges in Florida with a Special Focus on an Area of Study

• Jacksonville University (JU) in Miami, FL
• Barry University (BCF) in Graceville, FL.
• Ridge Career Center in Boynton Beach, FL
• Coconino Community College in Largo, FL.
• St. Johns River State College (SJRCC) in Miami, FL
• Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) in Orlando, FL.
• University of Central Florida in Kissimmee, FL.
• Valencia College in Trinity, FL.

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