Florida Atlantic Ranked Among Best Value Public Universities

Florida Atlantic University has been ranked No. 32 among the nation's best-value public universities in SmartAsset's 2026 "America's Best Value Public Universities" data study.

Florida Atlantic University has been ranked No. 32 among the nation's best-value public universities in SmartAsset's 2026 "America's Best Value Public Universities" data study, adding to a string of recent rankings momentum for FAU.

"Florida Atlantic exists to open doors, and this recognition confirms what we promise every student: a real return on their investment," said Florida Atlantic President Adam Hasner. "As we continue to climb in national rankings, our focus remains the same: delivering an affordable, high-quality education that pays dividends in meaningful careers and long-term life success for the students and families who choose Florida Atlantic."

SmartAsset's study evaluates bachelor's degree-granting public institutions listed in the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Only universities with a cost of attendance below the national median were considered, and those institutions were ranked using a composite score based on multiple datapoints, including median earnings of financial aid recipients 10 years after enrollment.

Florida Atlantic's cost of attendance is listed as $21,522 with median alumni earnings of $56,746 a decade after enrollment - figures that placed the university among a select group of 50 public institutions nationwide recognized for delivering strong outcomes at an affordable price.

This latest accolade builds on a strong year of rankings news for Florida Atlantic. In September 2025, FAU joined the U.S. News & World Report Top 100 Public Schools list for the first time, rising to No. 100 from No. 103 the previous year. The university also advanced to No. 30 in the "Social Mobility" category - one of Florida Atlantic's highest individual rankings and reflecting the positive graduation outcomes for first-generation and Pell Grant-eligible students. Florida Atlantic was also ranked No. 25 nationally for Pell Grant Graduation Performance.

Additionally, Florida Atlantic is one of only 13 institutions nationwide to achieve three Carnegie Foundation designations - R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production, Opportunity College and University, and Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.

Together, the recognitions by SmartAsset, U.S. News and the Carnegie Foundation reflect Florida Atlantic's growing reputation as an institution that delivers both academic quality and financial value - a combination increasingly important to students and families weighing the cost of a college degree against long-term career outcomes.

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