Florida State University continues to solidify its reputation as a premier public institution, securing the No. 11 spot in Niche’s 2026 Top Public Universities in America rankings.
The university climbed to No. 7 nationally for Best Student Life, a testament to FSU’s engaging and supportive campus environment. Overall, Florida State was ranked in the Top 11 in 13 different categories by Niche.
“These rankings are a testament to Florida State University’s comprehensive excellence,” stated FSU President Richard McCullough. “They highlight the strength of our academic programs and the vibrant nature of our campus community.”
Drawing on data from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche — a platform known for producing in-depth profiles of every U.S. school and college, supported by more than 140 million reviews and ratings from students and alumni — evaluates institutions annually based on areas such as academics, admissions, finances and student life.
FSU topped Niche’s Best Greek Life list at No. 1. FSU’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice earned the No. 2 spot in Niche’s 2026 rankings of Best Colleges for Criminal Justice for the second consecutive year. The university also earned the No. 3 spot on the Best College in Florida list.
Each year, Niche evaluates a wide range of academic and campus life factors. In the 2026 report, FSU stood out in several key areas, including:
Niche Rankings: All Universities (Public and Private)
- #1 Best Greek Life
- #2 Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America
- #3 Best College in Florida
- #5 Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in America
- #5 Best Colleges for Sports Management in America
- #7 Best Colleges with the Best Student Life in America
- #7 Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy in America
- #8 Best Colleges for Education in America
- #10 Best Colleges for Business in America
- #10 Best Colleges for Information Technology in America
- #11 Top Public Universities
- #11 Best College Athletics
- #16 Best Big Colleges
- #16 Best for Student Athletes
- #22 Best College Campuses
Niche Rankings: Public Universities
- #1 Best Greek Life
- #1 Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in America
- #1 Best Student Life in Florida
- #2 Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America
- #3 Best Colleges for Business in America
- #3 Best Colleges for Political Science in America
- #3 Best Colleges for Sports Management in America
- #4 Best Colleges with the Best Student Life in America
- #4 Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy in America
- #4 Best Colleges for Information Technology in America
- #4 Best Colleges for Religious Studies in America
- #5 Best Colleges for Education in America
- #5 Best Colleges for Public Health in America
- #5 Best Colleges for International Relations in America
- #6 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in America
- #6 Best Colleges for Music in America
- #7 Best for Student Athletes in America (Also #2 for Student Athletes in Florida)
- #7 Best Colleges for Psychology in America
- #8 Best Colleges for Communications in America
- #8 Best Colleges for English in America
- #9 Best College Athletics in America
- #9 Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America
- #10 Best College Campuses in America
- #10 Best Colleges for Economics in America
- #11 Top Public Universities
- #11 Best Big Colleges in America
- #11 Best Colleges for Art in America
- #11 Best Colleges for History in America