UNF recognized among Southeast’s best values by Washington Monthly
The University of North Florida has been recognized as one of the Southeast’s top colleges for value, earning the No. 22 spot on Washington Monthly’s 2026 “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars: Southeast” ranking. Among public institutions in the region, UNF ranked No. 13 on the list.
The annual rankings highlight colleges and universities that deliver a strong return on investment while advancing the public good. Washington Monthly evaluates institutions based on access, affordability, student outcomes and contributions to community and national service.
“At UNF, we are committed to providing students with a high-quality education that is both accessible and affordable while preparing them to make meaningful contributions to their communities,” said UNF Interim President Angela Garcia Falconetti. “This recognition reflects our mission to create opportunities for student success and public impact.”
The rankings assessed more than 1,500 colleges and universities nationwide using data from the U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, National Science Foundation and other sources. To be recognized, institutions must demonstrate strong performance across all four ranking categories.
Affordability that expands opportunity
Affordability plays a significant role in the rankings, with measures that include average net price for lower- and middle-income students and median student loan debt after graduation.
UNF continues to prioritize making higher education attainable for students from all backgrounds through competitive tuition rates, financial aid opportunities and programs that help students graduate with manageable debt levels. The University’s commitment to access also expands opportunities for first-generation students and students with financial need, helping them earn degrees that lead to long-term career success.
Preparing graduates to serve their communities
Another distinguishing feature of the Washington Monthly rankings is its emphasis on service and civic engagement. Universities are evaluated on factors such as volunteerism, civic engagement and the percentage of degrees awarded in fields that address critical social needs, including healthcare, education and social work.
Service is deeply embedded in UNF’s mission. Through community-based learning, volunteer initiatives and partnerships with local organizations, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom and address real-world challenges.
The University is also a leading educator of professionals in service-oriented fields. UNF graduates play critical roles as teachers, nurses, counselors, health professionals and social workers throughout Florida and the Southeast, helping meet workforce needs while improving the well-being of individuals and communities.
For more information about methodology and rankings, visit Washington Monthly’s 2026 college guide.