Florida State University graduate programs continue to shine in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s edition of Best Graduate Schools, highlighting the university’s excellence across multiple disciplines.  

In the disciplines included in this year’s publication, 16 FSU graduate programs and specialties ranked in the Top 25 among public universities, with six graduate programs placing No. 1 in Florida. 

University leaders said the rankings reflect strength across a range of academic fields. 

“These rankings show the strength of Florida State across the board,” said President Richard McCullough. “From healthcare to law to the arts and public policy, our programs are delivering real results for students and communities. That kind of depth comes from sustained investment in faculty, research and student success.” 

The results also point to the range of opportunities available to graduate students across FSU, leaders said. 

“These results speak to both the quality and range of our graduate education,” said Provost Jim Clark. “Students can pursue top programs in areas as different as engineering, education, nursing and the arts, and they’re gaining the skills and experience to move directly into impactful careers. Achieving a graduate degree opens up advanced leadership and high-paying positions across Florida, the nation and the globe.” 

Programs in law, education, business, nursing and engineering are ranked annually by U.S. News, using data on enrollment, job attainment, faculty and other quality indicators. Other programs are ranked based solely on opinions of each program’s quality as rated by academic experts at peer institutions.   

FSU graduate programs ranked best in Florida by U.S. News & World Report 

• FSU’s College of Law is tied for No. 1 in Florida. 

• The College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice is ranked No. 1 in Florida. 

• The College of Medicine’s primary care program holds the highest designation among public medical schools in Florida. 

• The College of Communication and Information’s speech-language pathology program is the best in Florida. 

• The clinical psychology graduate program in the College of Arts and Sciences is tied for No. 1 in Florida. 

• The College of Fine Arts’ graduate programs in visual arts are recognized as the best in Florida.

College of Law 

The College of Law climbed four spots to No. 34 overall and is No. 14 among public universities and No. 1 in Florida, tied with University of Florida. FSU also ranks in the Top 25 among public universities in five law specialties: environmental law (No. 13); contracts/commercial law (No. 16); tax law (No. 20); constitutional law (No. 18); and international law (No. 23).  

Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences 

The Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences graduate program in education ranks No. 8 among public universities and No. 16 overall. FSU programs ranked among the Top 20 public universities in specialties ranked by the publication: special education (No. 11) and secondary teacher education (No. 13). 

College of Nursing 

The College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice climbed seven spots to No. 21 overall and No. 12 among public colleges. The DNP program ranks No. 1 among public and private institutions in Florida.  

College of Medicine 

The College of Medicine’s primary care program once again earned the highest designation in Florida among public medical schools. FSU earned a Tier 2 ranking in the publication’s four-tier ranking system for medical schools.  

Herbert Wertheim College of Business 

The Herbert Wertheim College of Business’ MBA specialty in real estate secured the No. 8 ranking among public universities nationwide, No. 14 overall. 

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering 

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering maintained its No. 56 ranking among public engineering graduate programs with doctoral degrees. The college’s graduate engineering specialty program rankings in mechanical engineering soared 16 places to No. 50 among public universities. The college’s biomedical, civil, and materials engineering programs also moved up.   

College of Communication and Information 

This year, U.S. News ranked the discipline of speech-language pathology, based solely on opinions of each program’s quality as rated by academic experts at peer institutions. The speech-language pathology graduate program in the School of Communication Science and Disorders, housed within the College of Communication and Information, ranked No. 13 among publics and No. 17 overall. The program is also the best in Florida.  

College of Social Sciences and Public Policy 

Graduate programs within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy also received recognition, based solely on opinions of each program’s quality as rated by academic experts at peer institutions. The college’s specialty in leadership ranked No. 16 overall and No. 10 among public universities, while the specialty in local government management ranked No. 21 overall and No. 18 among public universities.  

College of Arts and Sciences 

Clinical psychology and statistics, both housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, earned Top 25 rankings among public universities, based solely on opinions of each program’s quality as rated by academic experts at peer institutions. 

The graduate program in clinical psychology, in the Department of Psychology, ranked No. 21 among public universities and No. 32 overall. The program, a five- to seven-year doctoral program accredited by the American Psychological Association and based on a clinical science model, is tied with the University of Florida for No. 1 in Florida. 

The college’s graduate programs in statistics, in the Department of Statistics, ranked No. 24 among publics. FSU offers master’s and doctoral degrees in biostatistics and statistics and a master’s degree in statistics with a major in statistical data science. 

College of Fine Arts  

The Department of Art’s MFA Studio Art program, housing in the College of Fine Arts, placed No. 33 among public universities and No. 1 in Florida based solely on opinions of each program’s quality as rated by academic experts at peer institutions. This three-year residential program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design.  

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Florida State University earned national recognition for its online graduate programs in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings, with 13 degree-granting distance-education programs receiving “Best” status when the rankings were released Tuesday.

FSU’s strongest results remain concentrated in education and information technology, where several programs ranked among the nation’s Top 10 overall and among public universities.

The School of Information continued to post one of the university’s strongest showings. The online master’s program in information technology ranked No. 8 overall and No. 5 among public universities, while also earning a Top 5 ranking for veterans, placing No. 5 nationally and No. 4 among publics.

Education programs in the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences again earned multiple Top 10 rankings. The online master’s program in curriculum and instruction ranked No. 3 nationally, maintaining its position among both public and private institutions. Special education ranked No. 7 overall, as did educational and instructional media design.

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering also earned national recognition for its online graduate offerings. The online graduate engineering program ranked No. 38 among all universities, while the online graduate engineering program for veterans ranked No. 22 nationally.

The College of Criminology and Criminal Justice also remained a national leader. Its online graduate program ranked No. 12 overall and No. 7 among public universities, keeping the program firmly within the top tier nationwide.

Online graduate business programs in the Herbert Wertheim College of Business earned continued recognition, ranking No. 18 overall in the Best Online Graduate Business Programs category. The online MBA program ranked No. 21 nationally and No. 16 among programs serving veterans. The graduate business category includes a range of non-MBA master’s degrees, including programs in accounting, business analytics and supply chain management.

FSU also performed well in rankings for military-affiliated students, earning Top 10 and Top 25 placements across information technology, education and business disciplines.

The U.S. News & World Report rankings assess online programs based on student engagement, faculty credentials, academic services and peer evaluations.

More information about Florida State University’s online graduate programs is available at distance@fsu.edu.

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Florida State University has once again been recognized as one of the Top 25 public universities in the country, reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to student success and institutional excellence.

The university rose two spots to No. 21 among public institutions in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2026 rankings released Sept. 23.

FSU also earned its highest-ever overall ranking among national universities, which includes both public and private institutions, at No. 51 — up three places from last year.

“Our rise in the rankings is a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty and staff,” said President Richard McCullough. “Achieving the highest overall ranking in our university’s history reflects our commitment to academic excellence, student success and impactful research. This recognition enhances our national reputation and strengthens the value of a degree from our institution. As we continue to invest in our community and launch new initiatives, these rankings affirm that we are moving in the right direction and inspire us to reach even greater heights.”

The No. 51 ranking places FSU alongside Case Western Reserve University, Texas A&M University, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest University and William & Mary.

Florida State University’s mission to enhance the student experience while delivering a high-quality education is yielding measurable success. Strong graduation and freshman retention rates, including impressive graduation rates among Pell Grant recipients, continue to reinforce the university’s status as a leading public institution.

Florida State University achieved a record four-year graduation rate of 78% this year, an increase from the previous year’s rate of 76%, placing the institution among the Top 9 public universities nationwide. Retention rates — defined as the proportion of first-year students who remain enrolled from their initial to subsequent fall semesters — increased from 96% last year to a record high of 97% this year.

The university’s commitment to supporting first-generation students and Pell Grant recipients is producing positive outcomes. Florida State climbed four places to No. 31 among public universities on the U.S. News standalone list of Top Performers on Social Mobility, which evaluates how well schools graduate economically disadvantaged students. FSU also moved up six spots to No. 14 among public universities in the Pell Grant graduation rate metric.

“As we continue to invest in our community and launch new initiatives, these rankings affirm that we are moving in the right direction and inspire us to reach even greater heights.”

– FSU President Richard McCullough

“I think the organizational culture of Florida State University is understanding that people thrive in an environment where people matter — where students matter, faculty matter and staff matter,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “I believe that the investments we’ve made by focusing on people and student success are making a big difference. You’ve got to focus not only on students, but also on the people who give so much to students. At Florida State, we have some of the best faculty in the world, some of the best teachers and researchers, mentoring and shaping students to be successful.”

In the publication’s First-Year Experiences category, FSU achieved a No. 12 ranking among public institutions and No. 1 in the state of Florida, a reflection of the university’s exceptional support programs that drive student success and foster positive learning outcomes. The ranking is based on a survey of college presidents, provosts and admissions deans, highlighting the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovative student support.

FSU recently secured the top spot for student satisfaction in the state of Florida, according to The Princeton Review’s latest student survey. Niche, a research company that produces an annual ranking of colleges and universities, recognized FSU as No. 7 in the nation for Best Student Life and No. 11 for Top Public Universities.

FSU’s holistic approach to student support services includes the option for students to engage in Living-Learning Communities (LLCs), allowing students to gain a supportive network of peers and distinguished faculty as soon as they arrive on campus. The university earned the No. 7 spot among public schools and No. 1 in Florida on U.S. News’ Learning Communities list. For the fall 2025 semester, University Housing offers 10 LLCs, housing more than 650 first-time-in-college students.

“At FSU, we are investing in the student experience to make sure that this big university has a small feel — that students feel connected, have a community and are engaged all around campus,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “We come together as faculty, staff and a fellow student community so that every student feels supported and challenged to grow fully during their time here and launch successfully.”

FSU maintained its No. 31 place among all undergraduate business programs at public schools on U.S. News’ 2026 Best Colleges Rankings list, and it improved its overall standing two places to No. 51. The College of Business’ Dr. William T. Hold/The Alliance’s Program in Risk Management and Insurance moved up two spots to No. 2 among the nation’s top public and private RMI programs.

The college’s Real Estate Program checked in at No. 6 among publics and No. 9 overall, with the Dr. Persis E. Rockwood School of Marketing earning the No. 18 spot among public universities and the Accounting Program moving up five spots to No. 20 among publics.

“We are thrilled to see our stellar standings in multiple business disciplines,” said Michael D. Hartline, the college’s dean. “We expect to reach even greater heights as we enter a new era of learning this spring in our new facility, Legacy Hall. Designed to foster innovation and collaboration, our new building embodies the excellence our undergraduate programs offer.”

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Twenty-one graduate programs at Florida State University are ranked in the Top 25 among public universities in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report’s edition of Best Graduate Schools, demonstrating the university’s excellence across multiple disciplines. 

Notably, FSU’s graduate program in Law, the College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice, the College of Medicine’s primary care program and the College of Business’ graduate studies in real estate ranked No. 1 among Florida’s public universities.  

“These rankings reflect the incredible dedication of our faculty, the talent of our students and the strength of our graduate programs,” FSU President Richard McCullough said. “They are a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and real-world impact. We are dedicated to sustaining this momentum and achieving even greater heights.” 

“These rankings reflect the incredible dedication of our faculty, the talent of our students and the strength of our graduate programs. They are a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and real-world impact. We are dedicated to sustaining this momentum and achieving even greater heights.” 

—  FSU President Richard McCullough

Provost Jim Clark said these rising graduate program rankings reinforce FSU’s reputation as a top-tier research university.  

“The success of our students and faculty shows that FSU is effectively preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators and scholars,” Clark said. “We’re proud of this progress and excited for what’s ahead.” 

Programs in law, education, business, nursing and engineering are ranked annually by U.S. News, using data on enrollment, job attainment, faculty and other quality indicators.

College of Law

The College of Law climbed 10 spots to No. 38 overall and is No. 17 among public universities. The College of Law shares this ranking with the University of Florida, Emory University, UC Irvine and Fordham University. FSU also ranks in the Top 25 among public universities in eight law specialties: environmental law (No. 8); contracts/commercial law (No. 13); criminal law (No. 14); tax law (No. 15); constitutional law (No. 16); business/corporate law (No. 17); health care law (No. 24); international law (No. 25). 

“This is our highest ranking ever, and we are incredibly proud to see our efforts being recognized,” said Erin O’Hara O’Connor, dean of the FSU College of Law. “We have risen 18 spots over the past two years, which underscores the strength of our world-class faculty, our robust legal curriculum and our top-notch student support services. I also want to acknowledge the university’s commitment to investing in our students’ success — we’re thrilled to see these efforts reflected in our rankings.” 

Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

The Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences graduate program in education ranks No. 10 among public universities and No. 18 overall. FSU programs ranked among the Top 20 public universities in specialties ranked by the publication: special education (No. 10); curriculum and instruction (No. 13); elementary teacher education (No. 17); secondary teacher education (No. 17); education administration and supervision (No. 18).  

“I am extremely proud of the faculty, students, and staff of Anne’s College and the work they do to maximize human potential,” said Damon Andrew, dean of Anne’s College. “Our specialties, in particular, continue to shine, and that is a direct testament to the dedication and research impact of our world-class faculty.” 

College of Business

The College of Business’ MBA specialty in real estate secured the No. 1 spot in Florida, the No. 6 ranking among public universities nationwide, and No. 13 overall. It’s a new high mark for the MBA specialty. 

“This significant achievement can be traced to many factors, including our stellar MBA students and world-renowned faculty members,” said Michael Hartline, dean of the FSU College of Business. “We are infusing every facet of the learning process with real-world experiences, from internships to corporate immersion experiences.”  

The college’s specialized graduate studies in real estate — available to students pursuing a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or finance (MSF) — focus on the high-demand area of real estate finance and investment.  

College of Nursing

The College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice ranked No. 28 overall and No. 18 among public colleges. The DNP program ranks No. 1 among public and private institutions in Florida. 

“The College of Nursing’s rankings affirm our commitment to excellence and innovation in doctoral nursing education,” said Jing Wang, dean of the College of Nursing. “Being ranked No. 1 in Florida is a testament to our faculty, students and staff who are driving bold advancements in patient care and health care leadership. With continued investments in our programs, research and clinical partnerships, these rankings will only rise, further solidifying our position as a national leader in graduate nursing education and innovation.” 

College of Medicine

The College of Medicine’s primary care program earned the highest designation in Florida among public medical schools. FSU earned a Tier 2 ranking in the publication’s new four-tier ranking system for medical schools. 

“Having access to a primary care physician provides a foundation for healthy individuals and entire communities,” said Alma Littles, dean of the FSU College of Medicine. “This ranking underscores our commitment to serving the health care needs of Floridians — and we are proud that more than half of our graduates continue to live and work in this state.” 

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is celebrating a noteworthy advancement in national recognition, climbing four positions to secure the No. 56 ranking among public engineering graduate programs with doctorate degrees. In addition, four of the college’s graduate engineering program rankings (biomedical, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering) moved up on the list.  

This upward movement demonstrates the college’s growing strength in research, teaching excellence and innovative approaches to solving engineering challenges. The distinctive partnership between Florida A&M University and Florida State University continues to create valuable opportunities for students and faculty alike, according to Suvranu De, dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.  

“We’re building momentum through collaborative research initiatives and preparing graduates who are ready to make meaningful contributions to society,” De said. “As we continue investing in our people and programs, I’m confident we’ll see our national prominence rise even further in the coming years.” 

College of Communication and Information

This year, U.S. News also ranked the disciplines of speech-language pathology and library and information studies disciplines. These rankings are based solely on opinions of each program’s quality as rated by academic experts at peer institutions.  

FSU’s Library and Information Studies program, housed in the College of Communication and Information’s School of Information, placed No. 12 nationally and No. 10 among public universities. The ranking is the best in the state. 

The speech-language pathology graduate program in the School of Communication Science and Disorders, housed within the College of Communication and Information, ranked No. 14 among publics and No. 18 overall. The program is also the best in Florida. 

“I’m deeply proud of our academic programs and specialties,” said Michelle Kazmer, dean of the College of Communication and Information. “The rankings achieved by the programs in the School of Communication Science and Disorders and in the School of Information reflect the innovative courses of study, exceptional teaching, and impactful translational research conducted in both schools. The sustained quality in these programs over time is extraordinary, and I am profoundly grateful to work with such brilliant and committed colleagues.” 

College of Social Sciences and Public Policy

Graduate programs within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy also received recognition in this year’s rankings, which are based solely on opinions of each program’s quality as rated by academic experts at peer institutions.  

The college’s specialty in local government management ranked No. 10 overall and No. 9 among public universities, while the leadership specialty ranked No. 16 overall and No. 10 among public universities. Housed primarily in the Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, the Department of Political Science, and the Department of Urban & Regional Planning, these programs train future leaders in policy and public service to the betterment of countless local communities, the state and nation. 

“Once again, the college’s policy programs shine in national rankings of initiatives that are central to the functioning of American democracy,” said COSSPP Dean Tim Chapin. “Our public administration, political science and planning units produce graduates with the skills and intellectual foundations to be local and national leaders in government service and non-profit organizations. Put plainly, the faculty, students, and alumni of these programs help the nation to function, and I couldn’t be more proud of the work they do.” 

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Florida State University’s online graduate programs continue to be recognized among the best in the nation, according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings released Wednesday. Four FSU online graduate programs placed among the Top 20 nationally, including two in the Top 10.  

“We’re proud that our online graduate programs are ranked among the best in the nation,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering an outstanding education that is accessible to students beyond the traditional classroom.” 

The online MBA program in the College of Business soared 26 spots to No. 18 nationally and 17 places to No. 15 among public universities. The college’s non-MBA graduate programs — specifically the online master’s degrees in management information systems (MS-MIS) and risk management and insurance (MS-RMI) — climbed three spots to No. 18, with a No. 14 ranking among public universities. In addition, the college’s MBA specialty in marketing, taught by faculty members in the Dr. Persis E. Rockwood School of Marketing, ranks No. 6 among public schools, No. 8 overall. 

“We are thrilled about our tremendous performance and standing among the nation’s best online graduate programs,” said Michael Hartline, dean of the College of Business. “The competition among online MBA programs is especially intense, so we welcome these new high marks that reflect our significant achievements and continuing pursuit of preeminence.” 

The College of Criminology and Criminal Justice’s online graduate program checked in at No. 7 overall and No. 4 among public universities. Dean Thomas Blomberg said the college’s ranking is fueled by its outstanding faculty.   

“Our faculty are among the most productive researchers and innovative thinkers in the field and our online courses are taught by them,” he said. “The ranking is a wonderful acknowledgment of their contributions to the field and their role providing students a superb educational experience.”   

The School of Information’s online Master of Science in Information Technology program remained in the Top 10 for the fifth consecutive year, placing No. 9 overall and No. 5 among public universities.

“The School of Information has been a long-time leader in the content and delivery of online IT education, and I am pleased that their efforts continue to be recognized by this strong ranking,” said Michelle Kazmer, dean of the College of Communication and Information, which houses the School of Information. 

The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences’ online master’s program in education placed No. 30 nationally and No. 28 among public universities. Three of the college’s specialty programs are ranked among the Top 10 overall: special education at No. 3; instructional systems and learning technologies at No. 4; and educational leadership and administration at No. 5. The curriculum and instruction program ranked No. 12. 

“In our first year as a newly combined college, I am extremely proud of the work our faculty and staff are doing to make the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences a top institution across the nation,” said Dean Damon Andrew. “I know that this is only the start of great things for the college.”

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s online master’s program in engineering, which started four years ago, continued to move up in the U.S. News rankings, jumping 13 places to No. 49 nationally and 11 spots to No. 38 among public universities. The program also ranked No. 30 among the best for veterans.  

“Our ascent in national rankings and recognition for serving veterans underscores our commitment to excellence in engineering education and research,” said Suvranu De, dean the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, the only joint college in the nation. 

For more information about FSU’s online graduate programs, visit https://distance.fsu.edu/programs. 

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Florida State University is improving on key measures of academic excellence and student success, according to U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2024” guidebook released Monday. 

Outstanding graduation and freshman retention rates, including stellar graduation rates among Pell Grant recipients, continue to bolster Florida State’s recognition as one of the nation’s top national public universities.  

“I am confident that FSU is better today than it has ever been, and we continue to be one of the very best public universities in the nation,” said President Richard McCullough. “That belief is borne out by hard data.” 

In the overall list of national universities, both public and private, Florida State scored its highest-ever ranking at No. 53, up two spots from last year.  

It is another sign of FSU’s continuing pursuit of excellence. Earlier this fall, the online rankings platform Niche ranked Florida State No. 11 on its list of top national public universities, up two places from No. 13 last year. Niche combines verifiable data from the U.S. Department of Education with user input — reviews and ratings from current students, alumni and parents. 

“I am confident that FSU is better today than it has ever been, and we continue to be one of the very best public universities in the nation. That belief is borne out by hard data.”  —President Richard McCullough

This year, U.S. News retooled its methodology, removing key factors from its formula in which FSU has previously scored well — class size, alumni giving rates, the percentage of faculty with a terminal degree, and students’ high school standing.  

Oddly, in the new calculation, FSU fell four spots to No. 23 among national public universities, despite improving in all previous metrics. Based on the previous methodology, administrators estimate FSU would have placed No. 16 among public universities.  

“FSU will continue to strategically invest in areas that will contribute to student success and help advance our goals as we strive for even greater academic and research excellence,” McCullough said. “These are the areas that are most important to our students, their parents, and the Florida taxpayers.”  

Last week, FSU announced a record 96% first-year retention rate, which measures how many first-year students stay enrolled from one fall semester to the next, and an all-time high four-year graduation rate of 75%, according to data that will be part of the State University System’s 2024 Accountability Plan. Both numbers would place in the Top 10 if compared to the data used in this year’s U.S. News methodology.  

“Students and their families know that Florida State University is devoted to seeing our students leave with their degrees in hand,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs.  

Taking a deeper dive into the U.S. News metrics, the university’s focus on student success is evident as FSU moved up or maintained in each related indicator.  

Florida State excelled in the publication’s metric of social mobility, which evaluates how well schools graduate economically disadvantaged students. The category includes measurements of Pell Grant recipient graduation rates as well as graduation rate performance by Pell Grant recipients. In both factors, FSU climbed to No. 12 among public universities.  

New this year, U.S. News is also considering the graduation rate of first-generation students, who are the first in their families to go to college. FSU, which places an emphasis on supporting first-generation students through its nationally recognized Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE), ranks No. 17 among public universities in the metric.  

“No matter their background, we are supporting our students throughout the entirety of their academic journey,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Student success is our mission — for all students.” 

For the second consecutive year, FSU placed No. 8 among public universities on the Best Value College list, which recognizes institutions that provide academic quality at an affordable price. 

“Our tuition is among the lowest in the nation, and we are committed to reducing the debt load of our graduates,” McCullough said. “That allows most of our graduates to entertain a greater range of employment options or graduate education without the constraint of crippling debt.” 

FSU is tied at No. 53 nationally with Case Western Reserve University, Northeastern University, University of Minnesota, and William & Mary. 

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U.S. News & World Report has once again named Florida the top state in the country for higher education. Florida’s higher education system has held the top ranking since the inception of the rankings in 2017. This achievement can be credited to the collective commitment of our elected leaders, the Board of Governors and the state universities to student success and affordability.

“Florida’s success would not be possible without the exceptional leadership at our 12 public universities, Governor DeSantis’s commitment to excellence in higher education, and the unwavering support of our legislative leaders,” said Brian Lamb, chair of the Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System. “I am truly grateful for their investment and continued support. Florida has long been a national leader in higher education, and retaining this #1 ranking proves the Florida way is working. By prioritizing student success, with an emphasis on providing all students a high-quality, low-cost education, Florida’s universities are leaning in to produce top-tier talent to meet workforce needs, increase research capabilities, and retain the best and brightest faculty whose excellence and expertise provide the platform from which we create the future.”

Metrics considered by U.S. News & World Report include the time it takes students to complete two- and four-year college programs, the cost of in-state tuition and fees, and the debt burden that college graduates carry. Florida improved on two of the five metrics in the recent rankings, including four-year graduation rate and educational attainment. We remained #1 for the lowest tuition and fees.

The State University System recently announced a 12 percent five-year increase in graduation rates and a 49 percent year-over-year drop in the cost-to-the-student for a bachelor’s degree. Due to support from elected leaders and initiatives that drive down costs, the average State University System student pays less than $3,400 for a bachelor’s degree once financial aid is included. Additionally, 75% of resident undergrads had no loans during the 2020-21 academic year, up from 69% the previous year.

“This recognition affirms the incredible collaboration among our universities, our System, and Governor DeSantis and our State Legislature to prioritize Florida’s students,” said Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of Florida. “Accountability is key, and the state’s investments in performance-based funding have given our System the tools necessary for our students to achieve a higher quality of education, graduate faster, with little to no debt.”

Accountability is critical to the System’s continuing rise in productivity and reputation, and the state’s investments in performance-based funding have provided the tools necessary for this ranking. In the fall of 2020, the Board of Governors added a dashboard on the homepage that provides a transparent way for all interested parties to monitor our System’s performance on these prioritized metrics.

Facts about the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors

The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors.  The System has 12 universities and more than 430,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation.  Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the System’s coordination and operation.  The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive.  For more, visit flbog.edu or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Graduate programs at Florida State University are among the nation’s best, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 edition of “Best Graduate Schools” released April 25.

Programs in education, public affairs, business, nursing and engineering saw improvements in the rankings, highlighted by the College of Education’s five-spot jump to No. 21 among all public and private universities.

“Florida State University is one of the top public research institutions in the nation,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “These rankings are a reflection of our excellent faculty, the rigorous programs we offer, and the high-quality students we attract.”

Mark Riley, dean of The Graduate School, said the FSU’s rising graduate rankings can be attributed to the positive momentum the university has enjoyed recently.

“This is really the most exciting time I’ve ever known at Florida State, and I’ve been here for 32 years,” he said. “We are hiring amazing faculty, our graduate students continue to be phenomenal, and the applications have continued to rise because people are hearing about what a great place this is. Students here know a good thing, and they are our great ambassadors.”

“Florida State University is one of the top public research institutions in the nation. These rankings are a reflection of our excellent faculty, the rigorous programs we offer, and the high-quality students we attract.”

— Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs

The College of Education continued its ascent, rising to No. 21 overall and No. 13 among publics. In addition, four education specialties placed in the Top 20 among public universities — Student Counseling (No. 13), Curriculum and Instruction (No. 18), Special Education (No. 19) and Education Administration (No. 20).

“I’d like to congratulate our faculty, staff and students for achieving their highest-ever U.S. News and World Report ranking of No. 13 among public universities,” said Damon Andrew, dean of the College of Education. “Our multi-year climb in the rankings is a testament to our continued commitment to be student-focused and innovation-driven.”

The College of Business’ MBA specialty in Real Estate maintained its No. 16 ranking overall while it climbed a spot to No. 8 among public school programs — the fourth straight year placing No. 9 or better.

“Once you’ve achieved an elite spot among the nation’s best real estate programs, it’s remarkable to maintain that position – much less improve – in that competitive space,” said Michael Hartline, dean of the College of Business. “We do not take this kind of success for granted, and instead focus on providing business students with the knowledge and skills that prepare them to thrive in any profession or industry they pursue.”

Public Affairs, housed in Askew School of Public Administration and Policy within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, moved up six spots to No. 26 among public universities and up seven places to No. 39 overall. Two career track specialties within the school’s online MPA program also rose in the ranks. The school’s Public Management and Leadership specialty ranked No. 12 among publics and No. 19 overall, while the Local Government Management specialty placed No. 13 among public universities and No. 15 overall.

“Given ongoing investments in our faculty and programs, I am not surprised to see our exceptional public affairs programs rise in U.S. News and World Report’s rankings,” said Tim Chapin, dean of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. “Our world-class faculty in the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, as well as affiliated faculty in Urban & Regional Planning and Emergency Management and Homeland Security, continue to impact Florida and the planet through their academic research and graduating students with the skills to make a difference in their communities.”

The College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program vaulted 17 places to No. 33 overall and 13 spots to No. 24 among publics. The DNP program, which has risen 44 places in just two years, is now tied with the University of South Florida for the top program in Florida.

“The College of Nursing is proud to share another big win,” said Jing Wang, dean of the College of Nursing. “It has been an immense period of growth and transformation at the college, and achievements like this are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students. We all share a common goal in our pursuit of excellence. It is an honor to be ranked at the top in Florida and among the top programs in the country, and we plan to continue building off this momentum.”

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering also improved, climbing three spots among public and private institutions to earn a No. 92 ranking. The graduate program in Industrial Engineering moved up three places to No. 42 among public institutions, Civil Engineering leapt 21 spots to No. 77 among public universities, and Electrical Engineering climbed 13 places to No. 84 among publics.

“We are pleased to see our graduate rankings in the top 100 doctoral-granting engineering colleges nationwide,” said Suvranu De, dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. “This is just a piece of the story of our continued success, but it’s an important one. As we continue to attract and graduate highly qualified engineering students in our program, we will take our rightful place in the top 50 among peer institutions in the U.S. These rankings are key to that vision for us and our parent institutions.”

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Four Florida State University online graduate programs placed among the Top 25 nationally — including two programs in the Top 5 — according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings released Tuesday.

FSU’s information technology and criminology online graduate programs each moved up one spot to No. 5 on the list of public and private universities, while the university’s non-MBA business programs ranked No. 21 and education checked in at No. 25.

“Whether our students are on campus or online, Florida State University is committed to providing an excellent education,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “These rankings reflect the university’s rising reputation among its peers and the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff and university leadership.”

College of Communication and Information

The College of Communication and Information’s online master’s degree program in information technology inched one spot from last year’s ranking to No. 5 overall, while it maintained a No. 3 ranking among public institutions.

“Our faculty are serial innovators in online instruction and continually seek out ways to better serve students in online platforms and engagement,” said Interim Dean Steve McDowell. “The recognition for the School of Information online programs is well-deserved.”

College of Criminology and Criminal Justice

The College of Criminology and Criminal Justice’s online master’s in criminal justice program moved up a spot from 2022 to No. 5 among all universities and No. 4 among publics. Dean Thomas Blomberg credited the school’s faculty for the acknowledgment.

“Importantly, our online courses are taught by our regular faculty who are each productive and distinguished researchers who provide our students with state-of-the-art educational experiences,” Blomberg said.

College of Business

The College of Business’ non-MBA graduate online programs in management information systems and risk management and insurance combined to earn a No. 21 overall ranking and placed No. 16 among public universities. The online MBA program landed at No. 44 overall and No. 32 among public universities.

The college’s online MBA specialty in analytics jumped two spots to No. 13 overall and No. 9 among public universities.

“We use these rankings as a beneficial barometer of our daily efforts to provide students with a valuable graduate education,” said Michael Hartline, dean of the College of Business. “It is affirming to see that our team’s hard work continues to be highly regarded nationwide. We continue to aim even higher.”

College of Education

The College of Education’s online master’s program in education placed No. 25 nationally and No. 24 among public universities. Four of the college’s specialty programs are ranked inside the Top 10 overall: administration and supervision at No. 3; special education at No. 3; instructional media design at No. 7; and curriculum and instruction at No. 9.

“I am most grateful for our truly outstanding faculty, staff and students as they drive the outcomes that result in these elite rankings,” said Damon Andrew, dean of the College of Education. “I also want to particularly commend our special education and educational leadership online master’s programs for ranking in the top three in their respective fields.”

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s online master’s program in engineering, which started three years ago, made its debut in the U.S. News rankings at No. 49 among public programs and No. 62 overall.

“We are thrilled about the debut of our online engineering programs in the Top 50, so soon after the program’s inception,” said Zhiyong “Richard” Liang, the college’s interim associate dean for research and graduate studies. “This ranking is a testament to the quality of the programs and the hard work of our students, faculty and staff.”

Robert Fuselier, director of the Office of Distance Learning, provides leadership and strategic planning for the university’s distance learning services.

“It is exciting to follow the continued success of FSU’s online programs in the rankings,” he said. “We are proud of FSU’s community of talented students and faculty, and this recognition reflects our commitment toward the support and success of our online students.”

For more information about FSU’s online graduate programs, visit https://distance.fsu.edu/programs.

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