Discover more about private not-for-profit universities and colleges in the state of Florida. Learn about the schools with the highest graduation rates, lowest net costs, largest student populations, and location, with data culled from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Florida Private Schools Near Large Cities
Private schools can be found in many large cities in Florida, such as Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tampa. If you are looking to study in or near a major city, look into the following options:
- The University of Tampa (Tampa)
- University of Miami (located in Coral Gables)
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach (located in Daytona Beach)
- Edward Waters College (located in Jacksonville)
- Everest University - North Orlando (located in Orlando)
Largest Private Schools in Florida
At least four private schools had student populations exceeding 12,000 in 2021. Two of those institutions are found in Fort Lauderdale. If you are planning to study in a large school, consider the following private institutions:
- Nova Southeastern University (20,898 students; 6,637 undergraduates)
- Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale (19,861 students; 17,990 undergraduates)
- University of Miami (19,096 students; 12,089 undergraduates)
- Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University- Worldwide (12,720 students; 9,394 undergraduates)
- Saint Leo University (9,523 students; 6,740 undergraduates)
Lowest Net Prices
To find net prices, the NCES subtracts the average financial aid received by full-time undergraduates from the total cost of attendance. Four non-specialty private schools had net costs below $17,000 for 2021-2022. Three of those institutions are located in Jacksonville.
- The Baptist College of Florida ($13,180)
- Edward Waters College ($14,878)
- Trinity Baptist College ($13,180)
- Florida Memorial University ($16,836)
Highest Graduation Rates
To find graduation rate percentages, the NCES uses the total number of full-time undergraduates who finish their studies within 150% of the typical amount of time. Two non-specialty private schools had rates higher than 70% for students starting in the autumn of 2015. They are located in the cities of Coral Gables, Leesburg, and Winter Park.
- University of Miami (84% graduation rate)
- Rollins College (71% graduation rate)
- Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale (67% graduation rate)
- Beacon College (68% graduation rate)
- Eckerd College (68% graduation rate)
For those seeking a private not-for-profit university in the state of Florida, there are numerous options if you want to study in schools in or near a major city, as well as institutions with low costs, high graduation rates, and large student populations.
