29 Best Universities in Florida for International Students

8. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University was founded in 1964 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It has a 314-acre main campus in Fort Lauderdale, with nine extended campuses in the US and worldwide. It is Florida’s largest private research university. NSU Florida is one of the 59 universities in the US that is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for both High Research Activity and Community Engagement. It offers several undergraduate and graduate programs in Business, Arts and Sciences, Law, Engineering, Psychology, Health Care Sciences, etc.

9. Florida Institute of Technology

Founded in 1958, Florida Institute of Technology also known as FIT or Florida Tech is a private research university based in Melbourne. Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer excellent associate, baccalaureate, master, educational specialist, and doctorate programs.

10. University of North Florida

The University of North Florida (UNF) is a public university in Jacksonville, Florida, set up in 1965. It is one of the 12 public universities in the State University System of Florida. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is divided into five colleges that offer 53 undergraduate degree programs and 28 graduate programs.

11. Southeastern University

Established in 1935, Southeastern University is a private institution in Lakeland, Florida which offers excellent liberal arts programs. Earlier, the university was called the Beulah Heights Institute. In 1956, the institution began a four-year bachelor's degree program. Later on, in 2005, the university started offering its first master's degree programs, expanding the schools of arts, science, and business. 

12. The University of Tampa

The University of Tampa is a private university located in Tampa, Florida, established in 1931. It offers over 200 academic programs through its four schools: College of Arts & Letters; College of Natural & Health Sciences; College of Social Science, Mathematics & Education; and Sykes College of Business (AACSB accredited).

13. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Emory-Riddle Aeronautical University was established in 1926. After many transformations, in 1965, Embry-Riddle relocated to Daytona Beach, Florida. The university is one of the leading Aviation and Aerospace Universities in the world. Over 25,000 full-time students are enrolled in the two campuses of Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott and the Worldwide campus.

14. University of West Florida

University of West Florida is a public research university set up in 1963 in Pensacola, Florida. It was established to be part of the State University System of Florida which spans 1,600 acres. The University of West Florida houses 9,515 students including 5,810 undergraduate and 3,705 graduate students with around 2% being international students. 

15. Atlantis University

Atlantis University is a fairly new private university established in 2007 in Miami, Florida. It offers various courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels of education, with 442 students enrolled in the undergraduate programs and 407 enrolled in the postgraduate courses.

16. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a private research university established in 1889 in St Leo, Florida. It offers several undergraduate and postgraduate courses in subjects like cybersecurity, computer science, and business administration. It has granted scholarships to its students worth INR 64 million. 

17. Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University is a private research university located in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded in 1934, it was earlier named Jacksonville Junior College. The university is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its campus spans 260 acres of land and is classified into 3 institutes and 4 colleges. It offers over 100 courses, including Business, Marine Science, Engineering, Physics, and Nursing.

18. Full Sail University

Founded in 1979, Full Sail University is a private university in Florida. It was originally founded as a recording studio named Full Sail Productions. In 1980, the studio moved to Florida and started offering various video and film-making courses. The university is recognized by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

19. Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico

Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) is a private, non-profit higher education institute established in 1966. The main campus is situated in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 2001 and 2003, the University opened new campuses in the cities of Miami and Orlando, Florida, respectively. The main academic programs are Engineering, Geomatic Sciences, Architecture, Computer Sciences, and Business Administration.

20. Hodges University

Hodges University is a private research university founded in 1990 in Naples, Florida. It has prestigious programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, especially in business administration, engineering and technology, and management. Below are more details about this university.

21. Barry University

Barry University is a private Catholic institution located in Miami Shores, established in 1940. The university is known for its commitment to social justice, leadership, and global education, offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus provides a nurturing environment for international students, focusing on community service and research. Barry University is a recognized leader in programs such as Nursing, Business, and Law.

22. Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), founded in 1991, is a public university in Fort Myers. Known for its beautiful campus and strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, FGCU is a top choice for international students interested in business, health sciences, and environmental studies. With over 90 undergraduate and 45 graduate programs, the university provides diverse opportunities for higher learning.

23. St. Thomas University

Located in Miami Gardens, St. Thomas University is a private Catholic institution offering a wide variety of programs, especially in law, business, and criminal justice. The university has a strong focus on leadership and social justice, contributing to its international reputation. St. Thomas offers a supportive environment for international students seeking personalized education and strong professional growth.

24. Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is a private Christian university located in West Palm Beach. Established in 1968, PBA offers more than 50 undergraduate and 25 postgraduate programs, including business, pharmacy, and nursing. Known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, PBA has a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, making it an excellent choice for international students seeking a close-knit academic community.

25. Ringling College of Art and Design

Ringling College of Art and Design, located in Sarasota, is one of the leading art and design institutions in the United States. Known for its top-ranked programs in animation, illustration, and graphic design, Ringling is globally recognized in the creative fields. With over 14 specialized undergraduate programs, the college provides a vibrant environment for international students pursuing creative careers.

26. Lynn University

Lynn University, based in Boca Raton, is a private university known for its innovative approach to education. With a diverse student population and a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Lynn is a popular choice for international students. The university offers flexible learning formats, including online and accelerated degree programs, making it an attractive option for students balancing work and study.

27. Keiser University

Keiser University, a private institution founded in 1977, is well-known for its career-focused education. With campuses across Florida, it offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in business, technology, and health sciences. Keiser’s programs are designed to align with industry demands, providing strong career prospects for its graduates.

28. Rollins College

Rollins College, located in Winter Park, is a private liberal arts college with a rich history dating back to 1885. Known for its personalized education and international focus, Rollins offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly excelling in business, international relations, and environmental studies. Rollins is also associated with prestigious international organizations like the Clinton Global Initiative.

29. Florida Memorial University

Florida Memorial University (FMU), located in Miami Gardens, is a historically Black university founded in 1879. Known for its commitment to empowering students through education, FMU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, and the social sciences. The university is dedicated to leadership and social justice, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in community service.

30. Bethune-Cookman University

Bethune-Cookman University, situated in Daytona Beach, is a historically Black university founded in 1904. Known for its focus on social justice and leadership, Bethune-Cookman offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs, including nursing and MBA. With a strong sense of community and personalized education, the university has produced many notable alumni who have contributed to social change.

31. Eckerd College

Located in St. Petersburg, Eckerd College is a private liberal arts college known for its focus on environmental sustainability and marine science. Eckerd offers over 40 undergraduate programs with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and global engagement. The college is associated with environmental research initiatives and provides excellent opportunities for students in marine biology and environmental studies.

32. Ave Maria University

Ave Maria University, founded in 2003, is a private Catholic university located in Ave Maria, Florida. Known for its values-based education and strong Catholic tradition, Ave Maria offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in theology, business, and the liberal arts. The university’s close-knit community and commitment to moral values make it an ideal choice for international students seeking a faith-based education.