DELAND – Volusia County’s Stetson University was ranked the fourth best regional university in the south by U.S. News & World Report. The publication’s 2023 report places Stetson the second highest of any Florida school, behind only Rollins College in Winter Park.
The top schools were as follows:
- Rollins College (Winter Park, FL)
- The Citadel Military College (Charleston, SC)
- Berry College (Mount Berry, GA)
- Stetson University (DeLand, FL)
- Christopher Newport University (Boone, NC)
- Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL)
- Florida Southern College (Lakeland, FL)
- College of Charleston (Charleston, SC)
- Queens University of Charlotte (Charlotte, NC)
- Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah, GA)
Located near the heart of downtown DeLand, Stetson University has long been one of the most coveted higher education choices for students in and around Volusia County. The school started in 1883 as DeLand Academy, established by founder Henry Addison DeLand. It has campuses in DeLand, Tampa, Gulfport, and Celebration.
In addition to its No. 4 ranking on the regional universities list, Stetson was also ranked 12th on two other lists: Best Undergraduate Teaching and Best Value School. It also placed 29th for Top Performer on Social Mobility.
“Stetson has been really passionate about helping me make progress in my career,” said Stetson senior Ryan Friedman. “The [professors] really care about making sure they’re leading me down the right paths. They’re always there if I need help. And the campus itself is just amazing.”
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
