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Three Florida Schools showed up in the top 5 of a new study by university ranking site Research.com. The site analyzed more than 1,700 higher education institutions across America and its territories. They looked at the average cost of their tuition and fees, room and board charges, and books and supplies.
The study was based on the universities that rank in the top 10% of Research.com’s Best Colleges ranking, to discover the institutions that offer high quality education at the most affordable price. Florida schools took 3 of the top 5 rankings in the affordable colleges list, including one school not too far from us here in Southwest Florida.
The University of Florida in Gainesville topped the ranking as the most affordable college. That's thanks to an average total cost for one year of $20,045, making it the most affordable college in the country. Tuition is an average of $8,285, while average room and board charges are $10,950, and the cost of books and supplies, at $810, is the lowest of all entries in the top five.
Tallahassee’s Florida State University offers the second most affordable high quality college education in America. The average cost of its books and supplies is $1,000, while tuition comes in at around $7,493. Average room and board charges total $11,565. That all adds up to a total cost of $20,058 for the university which has a 37% acceptance rate.
In fourth place is University of South Florida in Tampa. Its total average cost for the year is just $18 more than third place New Mexico State University, at $20,078. Tuition is an average of $6,410, room and board charges come to $12,568, while books and supplies are $1,100.
The purpose of this study was to see which colleges can offer a high quality degree at an affordable cost.
Keep in mind, the average tuition takes into account the out of state students coming here. UF shows an average tuition of $8,285, but for an in-state resident it's more like $6,381. Making the choice to stay here in Florida for your college education, a pretty solid move.
For those of you going to college for more than just the classwork:
School is in full swing for the 2023-2024 school year, and so is the football season, the Greek life and the college partying. Which schools are the top party schools in Florida?
Of course the parents of freshman who were just dropped off a few weeks ago are cringing as they read this. No doubt hoping that as they scroll they won't see their child's school listed as one of the top party schools in Florida.
The folks over at Niche recently released this year's list of 2023 - 2024 party schools in the Sunshine State.
Methodology
The Top Party Schools ranking is based on student reviews and nightlife statistics. There are five factors that are considered when making the list.
Student opinions obviously go a long way with these rankings. I mean, 70% of the grades coming from student surveys?! Wow, that's basically the deciding factor here.
Seemingly absent from the top of the list are a few larger universities from the southern part of the state, including FGCU (#17). I was surprised not to see the University of South Florida (#12) in Tampa and Florida Atlantic University (#16) over in Boca Raton, too.
With that said, there were a few surprises at the top of the list. Several smaller schools have cracked into the top 10 on this year's list of party schools in Florida.
#10. Florida International University
Florida International University is located in Miami, so this doesn't come as a surprise with all that Miami has to offer.
Party School Grade: A-
#9. Rollins College
Rollins College is one of the smaller schools to top the list. Located in Winter Park, less than 30 minutes from the University of Central Florida, Rollins College students can take advantage of the big university town perks, without the size of the school
Party School Grade: A
#8. Eckerd College
Another school on the smaller side, out of St. Petersburg, FL. Again, plenty to do in the St. Pete/Tampa area with a small school feel.
Party School Grade: A
#7. University of Central Florida
University of Central Florida is located on the outskirts of Orlando, which is of course home to one of the states best football teams, making game days a huge party on and off campus.
Party School Grade: A
#6. University of Tampa
Location here is obvious. One student said, "My experience at the University of Tampa has been amazing! The campus in basically in the middle of downtown Tampa is a growing and developing city that offers so many things to do."
Party School Grade: A-
#5. Bethune-Cookman University
Located in Daytona Beach. Enough said.
Party School Grade: A+
#4. University of Florida
University of Florida is the heart of Gainesville. Academics and athletics are outstanding at UF, and apparently so is the social scene. Recently named best Public University in the US.
Party School Grade: A+
#3. University of Miami
It's all in the name. Minutes from some of the best nightlife in the country, the beaches are stunning and the weather allows for year round outdoor partying. Academics and athletics at UM are also outstanding.
Party School Grade: A+
#2. Florida A&M University
#1 and #2 party schools are located less than 3 miles apart, which probably means they're sharing the party scene up in Tallahassee.
Party School Grade: A+
#1. Florida State University
The Florida State University is off to a great 2023-24 season. The Noles football team is looking good this year, ranked at #3 in the AP poll, giving the students plenty to get excited about. Tallahassee is a college town through and through. And with #2 party school FAMU just 3 miles away, two schools are better than one.
Party School Grade: A+
