University of Florida Ranked No. 1 Nationwide by Wall Street Journal

The University of Florida (UF) has been ranked the No. 1 university in the nation, public or private, according to an influential new ranking by the conservative think tank Manhattan Institute's City Journal, as highlighted in a Wall Street Journal editorial. The rankings evaluated 100 leading universities on 68 factors including curriculum rigor, academic meritocracy, free speech, ideological pluralism, and preparation of students for societal and workforce roles. UF earned a rare four-star rating and topped categories such as commitment to meritocracy and student free speech, while also ranking high in return on educational investment. The Wall Street Journal praised UF for prioritizing intellectual growth, civic engagement, and viewpoint diversity over prestige and selectivity, contrasting it with some historically elite institutions. Other Florida universities also ranked well, with Florida State University at No. 7 and the University of Miami at No. 52. UF leaders expressed pride in the recognition, noting it reflects their strategic investments in programs and culture that embrace a redefined vision of higher education value.