Looking for the best areas of Miami to study and build an education? Miami is one of the U.S. cities with the most universities inside and near its boundaries. There are roughly 30 colleges and universities in the area, several of which rank among the top 100 in the country.
When it comes to studying in Miami, the right institution is only half the equation — the surrounding neighborhoods matter just as much. Below are some of the strongest universities, each set in one of Miami's better areas to live and learn:
Reference guide to Miami's neighborhoods
1. Coral Gables
Coral Gables is home to the University of Miami, one of Florida's strongest universities — widely regarded as second in the state after the University of Florida in Gainesville, and ranked among the better private universities in the United States. It's known as a standout for student-athletes and for those who want to study criminal justice, kinesiology and therapy.
The university sits in the suburban community of Coral Gables, which is also notable for its low crime rate, its calm, and its quiet, tree-lined streets.
Explore homes for sale in Coral Gables.
2. University Park
Florida International University is located in University Park. It's an institution built for students committed to graduating, ranks among the larger public research universities in the country, and is well regarded for information technology and criminal justice programs. To gain admission, students typically need to show an SAT score in the 1030–1210 range and a strong high school GPA.
The community around the campus scores highly too: a suburban area with convenience stores, shopping centers, supermarkets, parks and green space for a wide range of outdoor activities.
3. Miami Shores
Barry University is often the standout choice for students who want to work during the day and study at night. The university offers evening degree programs for working students. It's one of the more diverse educational options in the United States and is well known for the quality of its faculty.
The university sits in one of Florida's better suburbs, and its proximity to the beach makes it an especially attractive choice.
4. Kendall
Nova Southeastern University's most prominent campus is in Fort Lauderdale, but its Kendall campus is also regarded as one of the better ones in the country. Students here single out the nursing program, the excellent facilities, and a strong pharmacy program.
Kendall is one of the quieter, safer suburbs in the county — frequently cited as a good place both to study and to raise a family.
5. Downtown
Not every student finishes high school at the top of the class, yet many still want to complete their studies at one of Miami's universities. Miami Dade College is a public institution that encourages students to finish college regardless of their high school record.
It sits in the heart of the city, where students can easily find part-time work while completing their studies. The area is among Miami's most diverse communities and one where millennials are especially likely to live.
Explore homes for sale in Downtown Miami.
6. Doral
Albizu University is a private school offering education programs for working students. Students here are known for giving their best, and the most popular programs include psychology, elementary education and business administration.
Doral is one of Miami's best neighborhoods: it has plenty of golf courses, is walkable, and is bike-friendly, with a notable amount of green space.
7. Hialeah
Florida National University is often a preferred choice for students planning to take nursing or other medical courses such as health services administration or dental studies. Its acceptance rate is high for incoming students, with no SAT or GPA prerequisites and no application fees. The university also offers bachelor's programs for working students.
Hialeah is a deeply Latin neighborhood, which leads many to feel they're on vacation somewhere in the south rather than in the United States. It has a low crime rate — a quality that families and students value highly.