Six Florida colleges and universities earned top distinction from U.S. News & World Report in a report on the nations best colleges released Tuesday.
The schools, which are all part of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, made high marks for their veteran-friendly policies and their overall academic successes.
To determine the best colleges for veterans, U.S. News took a closer look at colleges participating in federal initiatives helping veterans and active service members apply, pay for and complete their degrees. The rankings were then split by region -- North, South and Midwest West.
Daytona Beach-based Embry Riddle Aeronautical University snagged U.S. News top ranking for the best college in the South for veterans.
Embry Riddle wasnt the only Florida college to earn a spot on the list -- West Palm Beach college Palm Beach Atlantic University also placed on U.S. News rankings for best colleges for veterans, coming in at No. 6.
Our colleges and universities continue to be a great choice for students, families and veterans looking for the best academic value for their money, said Dr. Ed Moore, president of ICUF.
Higher education is the best pathway to a brighter future, he continued. ICUF institutions are proud to offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, first-time professional and continuing education programs to help individuals achieve their dreams.
Other colleges and universities placed on U.S. News list for best regional colleges and universities in the South, with liberal arts university Rollins College ranking No. 1 for the Souths best regional universities, tying with North-Carolina based Elon University for the top spot.
Stetson University and and Embry-Riddle also ranked as top southern universities, placing at fifth and 11th place, respectively.
When it came to colleges, Florida Southern College and Flagler University both placed in the top 10 for colleges in the South.
Reach Tampa-based reporter Allison Nielsen at Allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter at @AllisonNielsen.
