Jamestown, UF, FSU and USF in U.S. News Rankings

The University of Jamestown tied at No. 124 among U.S. News’ Regional Universities (Midwest) and earned a Top Performer on Social Mobility tie at No. 155, with President Polly Peterson attributing the results to strategic growth, community support and a 99% graduate placement rate. U.S. News’ 2026 rankings kept the University of Florida steady at No. 7 among public universities (tied with UT-Austin) and tied No. 30 overall, and UF rose to No. 15 on the Most Innovative list. Florida State University achieved its best overall ranking at No. 51 and No. 21 among public universities, while the University of South Florida reached an all-time high at No. 88 overall and No. 43 among publics. Other Florida institutions including UCF, FIU, FAU, FAMU and Florida Poly posted gains while New College of Florida slipped modestly. U.S. News weighted student outcomes heavily (over 50%), and state leaders and university officials said the results validated sustained investment, research growth and student-success initiatives even as governance controversies remain under scrutiny.