��ǰ���seven consecutive years, the��Rosen College of Hospitality Management�������԰����No. 1 in the nation��for Hospitality and Tourism Management Programs, according to��ShanghaiRanking’s 2026 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

“The ranking recognizes what Rosen College has accomplished over the past two decades,” Rosen College Dean Cynthia Mejia says. “What excites me most is how we build on that foundation. Our goal is to influence the future of hospitality through the students we educate, the research we produce, the partnerships we create and the solutions we help develop for the industry’s most important challenges.”

Additionally, �鶹ӳ����ý ranks��No. 2 in the nation��for Transportation Science and Technology — and in the top 10 for the seventh year in a row. The recognition reflects the breadth of research underway across �鶹ӳ����ý to develop solutions and advancements for the future of the transportation industry while improving safety and mobility on the nation’s most critical and busiest roadways.

“I am happy that our hard work and expanding our transportation faculty have paid off in this continuous recognition,” �鶹ӳ����ý Pegasus Professor Mohamed Abdel-Aty says. “We have opened new fronts in transportation systems, technology and ideas looking to the future. We balance traditional transportation research with cutting-edge and high-impact new directions.”

The rankings represent significant industries that drive international economies with travel and tourism contributing to a global GDP (gross domestic product) of $11.6 trillion and supporting about one in every nine jobs around the world, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2025 report.

The ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects evaluates universities by academic discipline using research-focused indicators, these include measures related to research output, research quality, international collaboration and academic influence.

A Global Leader in Hospitality and Tourism Research

Located in the nation’s top tourism destination, Rosen College students, faculty and staff are embedded in industry, allowing them to directly explore emerging areas in the field.

“This ranking reflects the depth, quality and consistency of the research being produced by our faculty,” Manuel Rivera, associate dean of research at Rosen College says. “To be recognized once again among the world’s leading hospitality and tourism programs is a testament to the collective efforts of our faculty, students, alumni and industry partners. The ranking recognizes the foundation Rosen College has built over the past two decades. Building on that foundation, Rosen College is helping shape the future of hospitality through impactful research, innovation, industry partnerships and the development of future leaders.”

Faculty research spans areas including tourism, lodging, events, food service, consumer behavior, technology, and the management of destinations and hospitality organizations, including:

• HFTP Professor of Hospitality Financial Management and Technology Mehmet Altin’s study on entrepreneurial ecosystems in hospitality and tourism with a comparative analysis across economic contexts, which was published in Tourism Economics.
• Associate Professor Yun Ying Zhong, a research faculty member of �����’s Disability, Aging and Technology faculty cluster initiative, completed a systematic review of 30-year research on hospitality in healthcare, which was published in the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management.
• Assistant Professor Frank Badu-Baiden’s study of the factors influencing consumers’ acceptance of drone food delivery, including the role of usefulness, emotions and perceived risk, which was published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management.

The No. 1 ShanghaiRanking placement builds on Rosen College’s continued excellence in curriculum, research and workforce impact as Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) joined �鶹ӳ����ý as a Pegasus Partner in June to establish the Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation. Through this partnership, �鶹ӳ����ý and UDX will further explore:

• Service robotics and human-centered approaches to shape guest and employee interactions

• AR and VR simulation technologies for training, operations, and immersive environments
• AI and digital twins for optimizing and personalizing the guest experience

Advancing Transportation Safety and Technology

With more than 23.4 million residents in 2025, Florida is the nation’s third most populated state, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In the same year, the Sunshine State welcomed 143.3 million visitors��as America’s No. 1 domestic travel destination, according to Visit Florida.

As residents and tourists navigate around the state, �鶹ӳ����ý researchers are working to improve transportation challenges related to roadway safety, emerging mobility technologies and other areas.

Abdel-Aty and Associate Professor Shaurya Agarwal lead multiple projects funded by U.S. and Florida Departments of Transportation to develop safety plans and demonstrate technologies across various Florida counties.

One examines Florida’s Regional Advanced Mobility Elements, or IFRAME, project along Interstate 4 between Orlando and Tampa. The study is evaluating the performance of advanced transportation technologies to inform decisions about future investments to enhance safety and mobility.

Research Assistant Professor Zubayer Islam and Abdel-Aty’s Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) project — the first of its kind in the Southeast — evaluates the effectiveness and enhancements of the agency’s Flex Lanes Program on sections of its expressway. It is the latest development in �����’s longstanding partnership with the CFX.

For nearly 14 years, �鶹ӳ����ý has worked to make highways safer by tackling wrong-way driving, one of the nation’s deadliest roadway hazards. An international expert in transportation engineering, planning and operations, Professor Haitham Al-Deek, in partnership with CFX, designed, implemented and evaluated wrong-way driving and prevention system technology to detect and deter wrong-way driving on high-speed roads. Deployed across the CFX system, it has achieved an 88.5% driver self-correction rate, the highest known worldwide, which is well supported by the largest amount of data collected on the performance of the invented technology.

Al-Deek and his students also invented the nation’s first algorithm to help transportation agencies identify wrong-way driving hotspots and prioritize improvements for greatest safety impact with maximum economic efficiency. Through competitively won contracts at state and national levels, this algorithm was implemented for five transportation networks throughout Florida and Idaho.

“According to the data we collected, the deployed lifesaving technology on CFX transportation network helped 2,541 out of the detected 2,870 wrong-way drivers self-correct and turn around safely as of June 2026,” Al-Deek says.

Research That Translates to Daily Impact

�����’s performance in transportation science and technology and hospitality and tourism management reflects two distinct research strengths while also demonstrating how the university is improve daily life across the region, state and nation. The 2026 ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects also show �鶹ӳ����ý is making an impact in Public Administration as the No. 11 program in the nation and Law as the No. 25 program across the U.S.

The university also ranks No. 4 among universities in the Southeast and the No. 28 Best College for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars. �鶹ӳ����ý delivers more for Florida with significantly less state funding, at a cost of $24,567 per degree — the lowest in the State University System.

Washington Monthly evaluates universities based on their contributions to the public good, measuring factors such as social mobility, research and service. The rankings highlight colleges that help students achieve economic success while advancing their communities and the nation.

“Instead of rewarding colleges for their exclusivity, prestige and wealth, our 2026��Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars��ranking measures how much they help ordinary middle- and working-class students get ahead in life, and whether they encourage those students to participate in their democracy,” Washinton Monthly stated in its release. “To do well on our ranking, colleges must recruit students of modest means without overcharging them on tuition or loading them with too much debt, then help them graduate with degrees that bring in decent incomes.”

The sustained recognition reflects �����’s continued commitment to expanding access to higher education, supporting student achievement and producing nearly 19,000 workforce-ready graduates annually — the most in Florida.

About 37% of undergraduate students at �鶹ӳ����ý are Pell-grant eligible, signaling the university serves a significant number of students with exceptional financial need. The university helps these students transform opportunity into upward mobility with less of a financial burden than many other schools — as 70% of first-time-in-college students graduate without any educational debt from �鶹ӳ����ý.

The latest ranking adds to a growing list of national accolades for �鶹ӳ����ý. Last week, Niche named �鶹ӳ����ý a Grade A university and ranked it No. 19 in the nation for Best Student Life, recognizing the university’s vibrant campus experience, student engagement and overall quality of life.

Together, the rankings underscore �����’s distinctive combination of academic excellence, affordability and an unmatched student experience, reinforcing its reputation as one of the nation’s most impactful public universities.

To mark this historic achievement, the State University System will launch Florida 10 for 10: Celebrating a Decade of Leading Higher Education, a statewide competitive scholarship initiative awarding up to $1,000 to 10 full-time undergraduate students at each participating university.

The��10��scholarships��awarded��to �鶹ӳ����ý students��will be available��through the��university’s��.��To apply, students��are required to��submit��a written essay or a video essay explaining why they chose to pursue higher education in Florida and why they selected �鶹ӳ����ý. Applications��will open Monday, Aug. 3,��and��are due Oct.��2.

“Florida’s Board of Governors cares about one thing, first and foremost — student achievement.” — Alan Levin, Florida Board of Governors chair

In addition to��the Florida 10 for 10��scholarships, students��will��also��be able��to complete their��general��scholarship applications��through��the��,��which connects them��with hundreds of scholarships��through �鶹ӳ����ý colleges and departments.��In��fiscal year 2025��alone,���鶹ӳ����ý awarded more than��3,200 scholarships and over $7.5 million to��students.

“Florida’s Board of Governors cares about one thing, first and foremost��—��student achievement,” says��Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine. “Parents and students know that when they choose Florida’s system of higher education, they are investing in a degree that has value. Our students graduate with low or no debt, and they have high-value jobs they can compete for. That is what students,��parents��and taxpayers rightly expect. Student success is behind every decision we make as Florida’s governing body for higher education.”

“I am deeply proud to lead and represent the No. 1 public university system in the nation,”says State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues.“At a time when confidence in higher education is being tested, Florida has remained focused on improving student outcomes and ensuring academic programs are grounded in merit and excellence. By prioritizing skills and qualifications, our universities are developing the next generation of leaders for Florida and the nation. I thank our university leadership, faculty and staff whose dedication and commitment make this success possible every day.”

“Our decade of nationwide higher education leadership reflects a commitment to excellence, opportunity and innovation.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, �鶹ӳ����ý president

“Florida’s future is being built by the talent developed across our State University System. Our decade of nationwide higher education leadership reflects a commitment to excellence,��opportunity��and innovation,” says���鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright. “This recognition illustrates what is possible when universities align education with rapidly evolving societal needs. As Florida’s Technological University, �鶹ӳ����ý is proud to produce in-demand talent at an unmatched scale while preparing the tech-literate professionals who will shape Florida’s next generation of prosperity.”

That leadership is reflected in outcomes that matter most to students and families. Florida’s public universities compete successfully on��the��national stage, ensuring graduates earn high‑quality degrees and move confidently into their careers and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Additional��Florida higher education highlights include:

• No.��1 in the nation for lowest in-state tuition

• No.��1 for attracting and developing a skilled workforce

• Seven��State University��System institutions ranked in the��nation’s��top 100��public universities

• 80%��of in-state students��attend��a��State University��System institution without a federal student loan

• Nearly 75%��of graduates��are��employed��or continuing their education,��with��a median salary of $52,600 within one year��of��graduation

�鶹ӳ����ý produces nearly 19,000 graduates annually, the most of any State University System institution, and many work in high-demand fields such as engineering and nursing that are vital to Florida’s future. �鶹ӳ����ý also is the nation’s leading provider of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries, according to Aviation Week.

�鶹ӳ����ý��is��among��the nation’s��10��Most��Innovative��Schools among��public universities,��as ranked by��U.S. News & World Report.��This��month���鶹ӳ����ý��was ranked among the top 10��by��SmartAsset��for America’s��Best��Value��Public Universities.

University leaders across the state credit collaboration,��accountability��and sustained investment for the��State University��System’s success.

U.S. News & World Report��State Rankings evaluate key metrics, including��educational attainment, graduation rates,��affordability��and federal student loan debt.

Four outstanding undergraduate students are redefining the boundaries of STEM through their high-impact research — and in doing so, placing the university among the nation’s top producers of Goldwater Scholars.

The prestigious Goldwater Scholarship identifies and supports the nation’s best student researchers in the fields of engineering, mathematics and natural sciences.

This year’s honorees — all expected to graduate next spring — have propelled �鶹ӳ����ý into an elite tier of research institutions, surpassing several Ivy League institutions and tying for fourth in the nation in total Goldwater Scholars produced alongside Stanford University, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago. Their impactful work reflects �鶹ӳ����ý’s commitment to building a high-level research environment that empowers students to lead projects addressing significant global and scientific challenges.

Supporting Space Exploration

Goldwater Scholar: Keanu Brayman

Major: Mechanical engineering

Ultimate Goal: To develop robotic systems to support human exploration on Mars.

Keanu Brayman’s passion for space began early.

“One of my earliest memories is watching a Space Shuttle streak across the sky from a beach in South Florida,” Brayman says. “I remember being amazed there were people on board and feeling drawn to one day help explore the stars and discover what lies beyond our planet.”

At �鶹ӳ����ý, Brayman has refined that dream with the support of faculty and mentors — including Department of Physics Chair and Professor Adrienne Dove, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Tarek Elgohary and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Engineer Christopher Proctor — as well as through programs like the .

He plans to pursue a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering to support lunar exploration and NASA’s Artemis program, as well as develop robotic systems that can extract resources and build infrastructure to support human exploration on Mars.

Engineering the Brain

Goldwater Scholar: Kyle Coutray

Majors: Computer engineering and biomedical sciences

Ultimate Goal: To research ways to restore communication, movement and cognitive function to the brain through engineering methods.

Kyle Coutray is focused on the intersection of neuroscience and technology.

“I’m interested in building systems that interact directly with the brain,” Coutray says. “In the lab, … [I’m] blending [both majors] into one approach.”

He aims to pursue a doctoral degree in neural engineering to further his research on brain-computer interfaces that translate complex brain activity into useful functions.

A 2026 Order of Pegasus inductee and a Burnett Honors Scholar, Coutray credits his success to disciplined focus and strong mentorship, particularly from Charles N. Millican Professor of Computer Science Joseph LaViola and Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Helen Huang.

Advancing Patient Care

Goldwater Scholar: Varun Nannuri

Major: Molecular and cellular biology

Ultimate Goal: To pursue a career as a physician-scientist.

Varun Nannuri is driven by a desire to understand why people experience different health outcomes and improve care.

“Through my clinical experiences, I have seen how much patients and families rely on physicians during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” Nannuri says. “My research experiences have shown me that better care depends on asking better questions.”

Nannuri plans to pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree and become a physician-scientist. His ambition earned him recognition as a 2026 Order of Pegasus inductee while also completing his Honors Undergraduate Thesis. Nannuri is also a member of the Burnett Honors College as a Burnett Medical Scholar, a program that offers guaranteed admission to the �鶹ӳ����ý College of Medicine upon completion.

“�鶹ӳ����ý has given me opportunities to grow as a student, researcher, leader and future physician,” Nannuri says.

Restoring Human Senses

Goldwater Scholar: Trevor Overton

Majors: Electrical engineering and biomedical sciences

Ultimate Goal: To improve the lives of people with disabilities through advanced robotic prostheses.

Burnett Honors Scholar Trevor Overton’s work centers on neuroengineering and next-generation prosthetics.

“I’ve always had a passion for building things, and I also love reading and watching sci-fi,” Overton says. “When �鶹ӳ����ý offered me the opportunity to join the MEDD [ … I knew I had to take it.”

�����’s MEDD program provides scientifically driven students like Overton with a unique opportunity to integrate engineering principles into medicine.

Much like the development of cochlear implants, Overton imagines similar breakthroughs with vision and touch.

“I envision a future where robotic prostheses are so advanced that they could completely replace or enhance the abilities of humans,” Overton says. “It’s not entirely impossible.”

After earning a doctoral degree in electrical engineering with a focus on neuroengineering, he hopes to inspire the next generation — just as his professors inspired him — emphasizing that �����’s strength lies in professors who actively invest in their students.

A Growing Research Powerhouse

With four 2026 Goldwater Scholarship recipients, �鶹ӳ����ý continues to strengthen its position as a leader in undergraduate research. The achievement reflects both students’ immense dedication and a university-wide commitment to driving innovation, mentorship and hands-on discovery. As these Knights prepare for the next steps in their academic journeys, they carry forward a shared mission: to turn research into real-world impact.

Students interested in applying for the Goldwater Scholarship or other major national awards should contact the Office of Prestigious Awards at��opa@ucf.edu.

�鶹ӳ����ý has earned a ��signaling the university’s growing support for military and veteran students. This is the first year �鶹ӳ����ý has earned the��Gold��designation, following��many��years��as a��Silver��awardee.

“This recognition reflects years of intentional work across the university to better support military-connected students,” says Andrea Guzmán, �鶹ӳ����ý vice president for access and community engagement. “We’ve focused on building stronger support systems, removing barriers, and ensuring students have clear pathways from enrollment through career.”

In addition to our Gold Award and recognition as a Military Friendly Spouse School, �鶹ӳ����ý has been previously designated as a Purple Heart Institution, Florida Purple Star Campus, Best Military-Friendly Online College and��Military Times’�� 2025 Best for Vets Colleges List.

Today about��4,000��military-connected��students��are enrolled��at �鶹ӳ����ý, and there are a��range of services coordinated through the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success (MVSS) to support them:

Holistic Programming

• An orientation dedicated��for��military-connected students and their families

• Expanded student engagement and social activities, which include families and military veterans within our community

• Collaboration with ��affiliates, most notably Valencia College, to streamline transition for transfer students

Academic Resources

• Peer-to-peer tutoring in courses with high drop or fail rates

• VA Work Study and university academic coaching programs prepare and train military-connected students to provide academic coaching to their peers

Career Readiness

• Industry partnerships��— including��Amazon, JE Technology and Disney —��that provide opportunity and engagement through mentorships,��internships��and career fairs

• Range of workshops, lunch and learns and professional development opportunities

Access to Financial Support��

• Established an endowed scholarship to provide assistance to military-connected students

• Potential for “meal plan” grants, emergency relief funds, tuition and fee waivers, and housing subsidies as part of co-curricular and academic support programs

• Participates in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ Yellow Ribbon Program, a tuition assistance initiative for veterans and eligible dependents

Additionally, MVSS��empowers �����’s faculty and staff through professional development opportunities with strategies and tips on how to best serve and engage with��military-connected��students.

A new liaison program has been piloted in the last year, placing an MVSS staff member with VA work study students at the��Rosen College of Hospitality Management��and���鶹ӳ����ý Downtown��to increase support services for military-connected students at those campus locations.��In��Fall��2026, the program is expected to expand to��the College of Business, College of��Sciences��and College of Arts and Humanities.

“The support the office provides is some of the most efficient and effective support I have encountered at �鶹ӳ����ý,” says��finance��major��Abigail Kost. “I have scored interviews from career fairs and connections from lunch and��learns. The office is also a pillar of emotional wellbeing and has helped me navigate VA benefits and scholarship opportunities. I would not have come as far as I have without the office’s resources.”

�鶹ӳ����ý: Committed to Serving Veterans

�����’s commitment to serving veterans is not singularly confined to��our��Office of Military and Veteran Student Success.

In January, U.S. News & World Report ranked���鶹ӳ����ý No. 6 for online bachelor’s programs for veterans.

�鶹ӳ����ý is home to , a nonprofit clinical research center and treatment clinic��established��to change the way post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns are understood, diagnosed, and treated.

Led by �鶹ӳ����ý Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor Deborah Beidel, who is currently��, the organization employs a unique and effective approach to treatment. A combination of exposure therapy, emerging technology and individual and group therapy sessions resulted in 66% of participants with combat-related trauma and 76% of first responders no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD following three weeks of intensive treatment.

Last year,���鶹ӳ����ý became one of 12 universities nationwide��— and the only school in Florida and the southeast —��to participate��in a new Service to Service initiative. The national pilot program is dedicated to connecting veterans and their families with graduate educational pathways in public service and helping them find impactful long-term careers in public leadership.

A partnership between �鶹ӳ����ý College of Medicine and Orlando VA Medical Center����—��located��next door to each other in Lake Nona’s Medical City —��ensures every medical student��receives training in specialties including surgery, internal medicine,��neurology��and psychiatry at the Orlando VA Medical Center.

�����’s history department has been documenting veterans’ stories��as part of the Library of Congress’��Veterans History Project��since��2010.�������’s Veterans Legacy Program, which was founded in 2017 as a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration, focuses on documenting the lives of those buried in Florida’s nine national cemeteries.

About Military Friendly

Founded in 2003, Military Friendly is an organization that measures organizations’ commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community.

Military Friendly Schools strive toward and succeed in the areas that matter most in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, satisfying careers in the civilian world. Earning the designation shows a school meets the minimum criteria.

Military Friendly’s final ratings for its Schools list were determined by combining each institution’s survey responses, government/agency public data sources, and measurements across retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students and specifically, for student-veterans.

Tomorrow’s leading video game developers are��being built today at �鶹ӳ����ý.

The university’s graduate video gaming program, , and undergraduate program continue to develop a pipeline of��talent to fuel Florida’s economy��at a standard of excellence few can match, affirmed by The Princeton Review and PC Gamer’s Top Video Game Design Schools 2026 rankings.

The Princeton Review and��PC Gamer��has recognized FIEA as one of the top two programs of its kind in the world six of the past seven years.

GaIM improved two spots from last year to its highest ranking, rising to No. 3 in the world. Both programs continue to hold the title of No. 1 in the South.

Strategy for Success

Since their inception, FIEA and GaIM have modeled their classrooms as close to a real-world, studio-like environment as possible, led by faculty with industry experience. That real-world perspective shapes every course, every project and every student who graduates.

“Our program intentionally emulates a collaborative ecosystem with a range of diverse talent in artists, designers and programmers, which is crucial to developing products and intellectual property,” says Nicholas Zuccarello, a 3D art instructor at FIEA who has previously worked for Sony Online Entertainment and Electronic Arts Tiburon. “We even structure projects to emulate real-world development pipelines as closely as possible within an educational setting.”

Orlando: A Leading Tech Hub

With Electronic Arts (EA) and Iron��Galaxy Studios located less than a mile from��the programs’ home base in downtown’s , Orlando is the perfect setting to transition from college to career and now mentioned in the same breath alongside traditional tech-giant territories San Francisco, Seattle��and Los Angeles.

Many alums go directly into the game industry including Epic, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony and more.

FIEA has graduated 1,160 students since its first class in 2006 — about 100 of whom worked on several of the most popular games sold in the U.S. in 2025, including EA SPORTS College Football 26, EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

But it’s not just the gaming��companies that eagerly hire��FIEA and GaIM graduates. The skills��taught in the two programs align perfectly��with some of Orlando’s top industries.

Graduates land roles in the modeling, simulation and training sector. Others find their footing in medical technology, where interactive systems and game-based design are transforming how clinicians train and how patients heal. Knights can be found at many of the region’s big-name employers, including Disney, EA, Lockheed Martin, and Universal Destinations & Experiences, among others.

“Our students don’t just make games, they develop the creative and technical fluency to work wherever those skills are needed.” — Associate Professor Peter Smith ’05MS ’12PhD

“Our students don’t just make games, they develop the creative and technical fluency to work wherever those skills are needed,” says Associate Professor Peter Smith ’05MS ’12PhD, who serves as the associate director of GaIM. “That’s what makes GaIM graduates competitive across industries. It is a true honor to see The Princeton Review recognizing this accomplishment of our students and faculty.”

Nitin Bakshi ’21, who joined FIEA’s faculty as a technical art instructor after graduating with his master’s in interactive entertainment, says the program takes great pride that many of our alumni continue to live and work in Florida, contributing directly to the local economy.

“These companies rely on artists, designers and programmers who understand real-time production,” he says. “That is exactly the kind of training our program is built around.”

Serious Business

Interest in the program has risen in the past year. FIEA recently drew its largest applicant pool with more than 200 applicants resulting in 90 new enrollees, the largest cohort to date.

For good reason.

The average starting salary for a FIEA graduate is $83,000, and 80% of graduates are in their desired fields at over 400 companies around the world.

The global market size for gaming, hardware and software sales is more than $189 billion (NewZoo’s 2025 Global Games Market Report), overshadowing music and movie industries combined.

“Adapting to the needs of the industry has always been one of our strengths,” Bakshi says. “Whether it is new real-time technologies, new platforms, or new ways of collaboration, we work hard to make sure the program grows along with the field. Seeing the program attract more talented students each year, while continuing to evolve with the industry, is what makes me most excited about the future and about the impact these programs will continue to have.”

Climbing the Leaderboard

�����’s GaIM improved two spots from last year to its highest ranking, rising to No. 3 in the world and continues to hold the title of the No. 1 program in the South.

The bachelor’s in digital media with a track in game degree design blends theory and practice with a sharp focus on industry readiness. The program stands out as one of the few programs that combine a strong emphasis on both art and technology.

Students develop skills in programming, game design, game programming, as well as 2D and 3D art and visual effects.

The GaIM Maker Space lab, located on the �鶹ӳ����ý Downtown campus, reflects that commitment in concrete terms: nearly $500,000 in mixed-reality technology including augmented and virtual reality, motion capture, physical computing, 3D printing, and web and mobile development equipment, alongside dedicated research space for applied work.

The impact on the quality of the students’ education and training is undeniable.

“The tools the maker space provides are integrated deeply into virtually every class in GaIM,” Smith says. “Students in early classes are printing board games and 3D printing game pieces, seniors are recording audio and motion capture sequences that are integrated directly into their capstone projects.”

The Rankings’ Methodology

The Princeton Review and PC Gamer’s game design school rankings are based on more than 40 data points derived from the company’s survey of administrators at 150 schools offering game design courses and/or degrees. Most of the institutions are in the U.S., with two in Canada and four abroad. The 50-question survey covered four areas: academics, faculty, technology and career topics.

�鶹ӳ����ý earned the status after completing the Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation and demonstrating the university meets all HLC quality standards and requirements related to institutional mission; ethical and responsible conduct; teaching and learning for student success; and institutional effectiveness, resources and planning.

“HLC is an accreditation partner that matches our scale, our innovation, and our commitment to strong stewardship of public resources.” — President Alexander N. Cartwright

“�����’s transition to HLC reflects our bold ambitions for the future and our responsibility to deliver exceptional value for Florida,” says �鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright. “HLC is an accreditation partner that matches our scale, our innovation, and our commitment to strong stewardship of public resources. Meeting the rigorous standards to earn this accreditation reflects the faculty and staff whose unwavering dedication to student success, academic excellence, and operational efficiency fuel our momentum.”

About the Higher Learning Commission

Founded in 1895, HLC is a private nonprofit accrediting agency and the nation’s largest institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States.

Why Accreditation Matters for �鶹ӳ����ý

As Florida offers universities new and innovative options for accreditation, �鶹ӳ����ý is proud to lead the way as the first in the State University System to earn accreditation from HLC.

HLC accreditation validates excellence across �鶹ӳ����ý, evaluating aspects including academic programs, governance and administration, mission, finances and resources.

Accreditation provides assurance that the university is fulfilling its public mission and providing excellent education, while also demonstrating �����’s commitment to continuous improvement. It is also essential for the university to receive federal funding, including student financial aid.

�����’s Strong Return on Investment

As a leading R1 university committed to building a better future, �鶹ӳ����ý empowers innovative community partnerships, world-class research with global impact, and the integration of technology and learning to foster incredible student outcomes.

U.S. News & World Report ranks �鶹ӳ����ý among the top 15 most innovative universities in the country and has consistently ranked �����’s online degrees among the top 10 nationally for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, �鶹ӳ����ý has a higher graduation rate and lower annual cost than the average midpoint for four-year schools, with a graduation rate of 73% compared to the midpoint of 58%. �鶹ӳ����ý remains a great value for a quality education, with average annual costs of $10,650 compared to the $19,740 midpoint for other four-year schools.

�鶹ӳ����ý is also Florida’s most financially efficient university.

“�鶹ӳ����ý has become a national leader in delivering excellence at scale, achieving outstanding outcomes for our students and the state while operating with one of the lowest costs per degree in the nation,” President Cartwright says. “Because of that efficiency, additional new investments in �鶹ӳ����ý would deliver among the strongest returns in higher education — fueling the talent, research, and innovation that drive Florida’s future.”

Our Ongoing Commitment to Excellence

�鶹ӳ����ý was initially accredited in 1970, and most recently held its status through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Accreditation is an ongoing relationship. As a member of HLC, the institution will participate in ongoing reviews for compliance with HLC standards.

More information about the institution’s accreditation is available in HLC’s .

For the third year in a row, Orlando ranks as the No. 2 Best College City in America among large cities, according to WalletHub’s 2026 list. The City Beautiful maintained the No. 3 spot among cities overall — making this the fifth year Orlando has placed in the top five nationally.

The rankings serve as a go-to guide for prospective college students deciding where to pursue their college journey. WalletHub dives deep, considering 31 key factors, from the quality of higher education to academic, social and economic opportunities, to pinpoint the best of the best college towns and cities among more than 400 U.S. cities.

As WalletHub puts it, a college’s geographical location matters as much as its curriculum and social environment. And Orlando has all the perks you’d imagine — from a reasonable cost of living to academic and work prospects to a wide variety of activities that make for a fun social environment for students. To top it off, WalletHub named Orlando the No. 1 Best Foodie City in America for 2023, and it has remained in the top five ever since — solidifying its reputation as a food lover’s paradise.

“All of the restaurants [in Orlando] are incredible, and it’s so fun finding ‘hole-in-the-wall’ restaurants and sharing them (with) your friends,” says Jean-Thomas Mateesco ’24, an advertising and public relations alum.

Opportunity abounds in Orlando — one of the fastest-growing cities in Central Florida and home to �鶹ӳ����ý.

Many factors led Shannon Nauta ’24, a �鶹ӳ����ý art alum who minored in event management and art history, from her home state of New Jersey to �鶹ӳ����ý — including its internationally recognized Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

“I decided on �鶹ӳ����ý because I am interested in pursuing a career within the industry,” Nauta says. “�鶹ӳ����ý has amazing programs that provide opportunities for experience and immersion in the creative and hospitality fields, with Orlando as the perfect location [home to world-famous attractions, resorts, restaurants and more].”

�鶹ӳ����ý is uniquely positioned amongst a variety of industries, including hospitality, healthcare, tech and aerospace. And some of the nation’s top companies, such as Electronic Arts, Lockheed Martin, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Nemours Children’s Hospital and Walt Disney World Resort have all planted roots in Orlando and have partnerships with �鶹ӳ����ý. Students can chart their path to success by accessing industries and experiences that are connected to their coursework. The knowledge they’ll gain, discoveries they’ll make and personal growth they’ll achieve while studying at �鶹ӳ����ý will come to benefit them for a lifetime.

Among factors like abundant activities, safety and plenty of jobs, “some of the best college towns blend great academics with low costs,” says WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe.

Orlando ranks among the top 40 cities with the best cost of higher education, per WalletHub’s 2024 rankings release. Here, the cost of “in-state tuition, room and board and other college expenses are among the lowest in the country,” Happe says.

For the ninth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked the state of Florida No. 1 in the nation for higher education, with Orlando offering the 14th-lowest tuition (including room and board) for in-state students.

A thriving hub of innovation and economic growth, Orlando maintained the No. 1 spot for Best City to Start a Career among Florida cities, according to WalletHub’s 2025 list. The city retains the No. 2 spot among cities overall. WalletHub compared the relative market strength and overall livability of more than 180 U.S. cities to achieve these rankings. Each city was examined by 26 key factors, ranging from the availability of entry-level jobs to the monthly average starting salary to housing affordability.

Orlando’s thriving job market is one of the main reasons Nauta, an out-of-state student, moved to Orlando. While studying at �鶹ӳ����ý, she says she was able to work within the entertainment industry.

Mateesco shares a similar sentiment, adding that “other cities are becoming [overly saturated while] Orlando is an ever-growing city with loads of jobs and cool opportunities.”

Fortunately, new graduates are entering the workforce at a good time, with the current employment shortage and companies eager to hire.

“Orlando has the highest job growth rate of any city, at 8.69%, so it’s a good place for students to stay even after they’ve graduated,” Happe says.

Universal’s Epic Universe is expected to draw millions of visitors from across the globe, setting a new bar for immersive entertainment and redefining the guest experience. Less than a mile away, the �鶹ӳ����ý Rosen College of Hospitality Management — newly ranked as the best in the world by CEOWORLD magazine — is training the next generation of leaders who bring places like Epic Universe to life.

Located in the heart of Orlando’s tourism corridor, Rosen College offers everything a student could want to thrive academically and graduate with a strong competitive edge to start or advance in their career, including faculty with decades of industry experience and expertise in theme parks, hotels, event management, entertainment and other fields.

“The Rosen College’s recognition as the No. 1 hospitality program in the world demonstrates the excellence of our world-class faculty and industry partners,” says Rosen College Dean Cynthia Mejia. “Our faculty bring unrivaled industry experience to the classroom, are research and thought leaders in their disciplines, and prepare our students to lead and innovate in the field. With the opening of Epic Universe and so many other opportunities available to our graduates here in Orlando, Rosen College students are uniquely positioned to succeed in their careers of choice.”

As tourism and attractions evolve with the latest technologies while still emphasizing the human connections of hospitality, Rosen College graduates are shaping the future of the industry at some of the world’s most iconic destinations. They are helping Florida continue to break records for the number of visitors to the state — 142.9 million in 2024.

“Orlando is proud to be the No.1 hospitality program in the world, and we congratulate �����’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management on this well-deserved recognition,” says Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “With hospitality at the heart of our region’s economy, having a top-ranked institution like Rosen College in our backyard ensures a strong pipeline of talented, passionate leaders who will drive innovation in our industry for years to come. Many of our Visit Orlando team members are proud Rosen alumni, and we see firsthand the caliber of professionals the college produces.”

CEOWORLD surveyed 250,000 graduates, industry professionals, employers and recruiters to help produce the rankings. The rankings take into account academic reputation, job placement rate, perceived global brands influence, and recruiter and employer feedback, among other categories.

“�鶹ӳ����ý Rosen College is located in the epicenter of the attractions industry and thus is able to provide an exceptional educational experience in the classroom alongside practical application of learnings in world-class attractions,” says John Hallenbeck, vice president of attractions operations for Universal Studios Japan and co-chair of the �鶹ӳ����ý Rosen College Theme Park and Attraction Advisory Board. A longtime advisor to Rosen College, Hallenbeck also assisted in developing the school’s theme park and attraction management degree program.

“The partnerships that �鶹ӳ����ý Rosen College cultivates with leaders at attractions and other organizations involved in the industry provide expert mentors that are motivated to help students excel to become the next generation of industry professionals.”

The Rosen College was previously ranked the No. 1 hospitality program in the United States and among the top five in the world. The college offers six undergraduate degrees, three master’s programs and the only doctoral program specifically in hospitality management in Florida, as well as several undergraduate and graduate certificates.

Rosen College students are required to complete three internships, designed to build skills such as effective communication, resume development, leadership and exceptional guest service.

Here are a few Rosen College alumni’s takes on what makes the program the best in the nation:

Successful Rosen College Alumni: Faculty ‘Make All the Difference’

“Rosen College distinguishes itself through its cutting-edge curriculum, strong industry connections, and hands-on learning opportunities in the heart of Orlando,” says Arthur Hudnell ’15, director of operations at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “The Rosen College offers students unique chances to engage with leading hospitality companies worldwide, thoroughly preparing them for careers in the industry.”

“Many of the professors I had the pleasure of learning from during my time at Rosen have remained trusted mentors and sounding boards,” says David “Woody” Woodstein ’14, co-founder of LW Capital Consulting, an asset management firm overseeing 13 hotels. “Their real-world experience and continued engagement with alumni create a lifelong network of support. They offer invaluable third-party insights and guidance that continue to shape my approach to challenges and opportunities in the industry.”

“Even 10 years after graduation, I’m still finding new opportunities through �鶹ӳ����ý — whether it’s mentoring students, speaking on campus or learning from the next generation of leaders about where the industry is headed,” says Maxwell Glorit ’15, who manages education programming for IAAPA Expo, the largest global conference for the attractions industry.

“The Rosen College is the No. 1 hospitality program in the world because of its world-class faculty, challenging curriculum and prime location in the hospitality capital of the world. The environment it creates — where like-minded students can connect, grow and network — makes it truly special,” says Rick Powell ’10, owner/operator of Chick-fil-A in Mt. Dora, Florida. “The true value of a Rosen College education is that it makes you more experienced, more educated, more prepared and more competitive than most other candidates.”

Genova credits Ahmed, as well as renowned professors Jayanta Kapat and Subith Vasu, for helping to propel him to a highly successful career. He now works as the lead engineer of combustion at GE Aerospace, one of the nation’s aviation and aerospace component manufacturing companies.

“I attribute most of my success to the degree I got from �鶹ӳ����ý,” Genova says. “The technical skills I built and connections I made in my graduate studies and research have been invaluable to get me to the point I’ve gotten to in my career.

Like Genova, the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings recognize the high quality of �����’s aerospace engineering graduate program, which advanced seven spots and now is among the top 40 in the nation.

Overall, 13 �鶹ӳ����ý graduate programs rank among the top 50 in the nation. Among public universities, nine programs in engineering and computer science rank in the top 50.

�����’s emergency and crisis management program�� ranks No. 1 in the nation, counselor education is No. 9 and nonprofit management is No. 15.

�鶹ӳ����ý is the ideal home for graduate students looking to advance their careers and gain new skills in those fields and many others. In addition to working alongside world-class faculty, students benefit from the university’s location in Orlando and strong partnerships with industry.

The city is home to many leading engineering firms, a world modeling and simulation hub and the hospitality capital of the world, as well as a short drive from the Space Coast.

Orlando also is one of the most dynamic regions in the country, securing the No. 1 ranking among the 30 most populous metro areas in job growth, population growth and GDP growth. In 2024, Orlando led the nation in employment expansion, driven by thriving industries such as healthcare, tech and financial services.

A �鶹ӳ����ý education combines the strong advantages of Orlando with world-class faculty like Ahmed, Vasu and Kapat who bring strong industry and academic experience into classrooms and research labs.

“�����’s rise in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings reflects our strategic commitment to becoming a national leader in engineering,” says Michael D. Johnson, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Across our academic enterprise, we are investing in exceptional faculty, expanding research capabilities and deepening industry partnerships — all with the goal of preparing our students to excel in high-impact careers and to help address the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Nation’s Top Pipeline to Aerospace Industry

Advances in engineering rankings at Florida’s Premier Engineering and Technology University have come as the university has launched a bold faculty hiring initiative to prepare leaders for the future of industry.

�鶹ӳ����ý also has consistently been ranked by Aviation Week Network as the No. 1 provider of talent in the nation to aerospace and defense companies.

For GE, Genova is far from the only example of that strong talent pipeline. He says his division of GE has hired many �鶹ӳ����ý graduates who are making substantial contributions to the company.

“�鶹ӳ����ý has invested a lot into its aerospace engineering program, and it has shown,” he says. “There is a lot of exciting research going on that make it an attractive destination for someone interested in the aerospace field. This is not only evident from the strong growth of the program, but the increased number of �鶹ӳ����ý graduates in the field.”

“Graduate school at �鶹ӳ����ý was a challenge but rewarding. The course work was quite informative and helpful in understanding aerospace concepts at a deeper level.” — Nik Patel ’19MS, alum

Many �鶹ӳ����ý aerospace engineering graduates go on to prominent roles at NASA and — at a time when private spaceflight is rapidly growing — the nation’s leading private spaceflight companies.

Nik Patel ’19MS worked in Tarek Elgohary’s lab on his path to a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. He completed a co-op at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which led to a full-time job as flight director and mobility subject matter expert for the Mars Curiosity Rover.

“Eventually, I was recruited by Blue Origin to work on their lunar lander program as the verification and validation lead for mission operations systems,” Patel says. “I have been here at Blue Origin for three years now and we are quite excited to see the lander land in the coming future. I am now working as one of the leads on the lunar mission.”

“From the master’s classes, I learned the soft skills required to do my job. For example, balancing multiple priorities, communicating with teams efficiently and focusing on the entire system of an aerospace project,” Patel says.

Helping Students through �鶹ӳ����ý Counselor Education Program

Emily Ferrand ’20 graduated from the counselor education program with a focus on school counseling. The program now ranks No. 9 in the country after moving up three spots this year.

Ferrand says she learned a lot in the graduate program, particularly from senior lecturer Stacy Van Horn and Associate Professor J. Richelle Joe. Ferrand has worked five years at Horizon West Middle School, including three years as the school’s lead counselor.

“�鶹ӳ����ý knows how to produce really solid counselors. The professors are really supportive, and they don’t shy away from giving feedback, which is really important,” Ferrand says. “If I’m not doing something well, then I want someone to let me know that, so I can continue to grow and become a better counselor.”

“I’m still friends with some of the people in my master’s program, and I see them flourishing as counselors, too. It’s a really great program, and I would always recommend it to anyone who asks,” she says.

�鶹ӳ����ý has also been recognized as a top 40 Best Education School, improving 30 spots in 5 years.

�鶹ӳ����ý Emergency Management Remains No. 1 in the Nation

Lauren Gros ’22 is an alumna of the master’s in emergency and crisis management program, which equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to practice as highly trained emergency management professionals.

The emergency management program at �鶹ӳ����ý continues to rank No. 1 in the nation, with graduates who have outstanding training and knowledge courtesy of highly skilled faculty.

“The program’s stellar reputation and national ranking made it an obvious choice for pursuing these goals,” Gros says. “One of the highlights was working at Seminole County Emergency Management, an opportunity made possible by the university’s strong connections.”

Gros now works as a professional staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives’ Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has emergency management as part of its jurisdiction.

“�鶹ӳ����ý equipped me with a robust foundation in emergency management and public administration, which I apply daily in my career,” Gros says. “I’d enthusiastically recommend �鶹ӳ����ý to anyone considering a career in emergency management.”

Other �鶹ӳ����ý programs ranked highly in the public affairs category include:

• Nonprofit Management — No. 15
• Public Management and Leadership — No. 21
• Public Finance and Budgeting — No. 27
• Public Affairs — No. 46

Three Health Programs Rank Among Top 50 Nationally

When Jeff Schmidt evaluated where he wanted to pursue his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, he focused on programs’ academic excellence, cost and location.

�鶹ӳ����ý ranks No. 42 in the nation for graduate physical therapy programs. The cohort graduating in 2024 had a 100% employment rate.

“It was clear �鶹ӳ����ý met all of those criteria,” he says. “During the interview process I realized a fourth item would be just as important: the faculty. It was immediately clear how caring, supportive, down-to-earth the �鶹ӳ����ý DPT faculty are. This really resonated with me, and I knew right away I wanted to be a part of this program. I could see myself growing significantly as a student and as a person over the next three years under their guidance — and I was absolutely right.”

Today, Schmidt is a senior physical therapist at AdventHealth Sports Med & Rehab. He treats patients with neurologic conditions at a rehabilitation clinic and also serves as a mentor within AdventHealth’s neurologic residency program and a clinical instructor for DPT students. He also collaborates with his Ph.D. mentor Ethan Hill and the �鶹ӳ����ý Strategies for Therapeutic Rehabilitation and Optimization for Neuromuscular Growth (STRONG) Lab to examine the effects of blood flow restriction on resistance and walking training for people with multiple sclerosis.

“The �鶹ӳ����ý DPT program is highly ranked because of its exceptional faculty, rigorous curriculum, clinical focus and emphasis on research,” Schmidt says. “In my experience working with �鶹ӳ����ý DPT students and new graduates, their readiness to excel in the physical therapy field is evident. This is a direct result of the program’s commitment to facilitating academic and professional excellence.”

�����’s healthcare management program ranks No. 41 in the country, and speech language pathology is No. 48.

Matt Atkins ’20 ’22MHA earned a bachelor’s in health services administration and master’s in health administration. He credits his �鶹ӳ����ý education with helping him become executive director of Spring Haven Senior Living in Winter Haven, Florida — where he successfully leads of a team of more than 100 people who care for more than 200 residents.

“I have had an extensive relationship with the faculty that didn’t just end once I walked across the stage at commencement,” he says.�� “The biggest thing that sets [�����’s faculty] apart, [which] is obvious as soon as you walk into a classroom and start interacting with [them], is they’re all about developing their students and impacting their future.”