For the second straight year, the University of Florida received Money magazine’s 5-star rating as one of the “Best Colleges in America.”
According to a UF press release, Money magazine recognizes colleges that combine affordability with high-quality education. Money debuted its star-rating system in 2023 and UF was one of only 34 colleges nationwide to receive a “5-star.”
UF is the only university in the Southeastern Conference or Florida in 2024 to receive a 5-star rating from Money. UF is one of 54 institutions to receive the rating out of 700 public and private colleges reviewed by the magazine.
“The University of Florida accomplishes great things,” said UF Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini in the press release. “For the second year in a row we’ve earned 5 stars on Money’s list of Best Colleges. We’re grateful for this honor, and we are committed to being both an elite and practical university that equips our students and moves our state forward.” Money evaluates institutions based on 25 factors that include affordability, quality of education and student outcomes such as employment success and graduation rates. UF was identified as one of the best bargains in higher education as it was named a top-10 most affordable school.
“This honor reflects UF’s dedication to delivering top-notch, affordable education,” UF President Ben Sasse said in the press release. “Our faculty, staff, and students continue to strive for excellence, ensuring that the University of Florida remains a leader in higher education. We will continue to build on this success, making UF a place where academic achievement and accessibility go hand in hand.”
Not factoring in state or federal aid, Money magazine estimated the net price of a UF degree is roughly $88,000. The cost is less than the median price among the colleges in the 2024-2025 rankings, according to the magazine.
UF also appeared on Money’s “Best Public Colleges in the U.S.” and “Best Colleges in the South” sublists. Money’s 2024 “Best Colleges in America” full list is available by clicking here.
It will be interesting to see how accolades such as “5-star rating as one of the ‘Best Colleges in America’” last once word gets out and sinks in about the brain drain going on at UF and the micromanagement practices by the Board of Trustees.