The Best Colleges Near Pensacola

If you live near Pensacola or plan to move to the area soon, you may be curious about the best colleges in the area. Some of these schools are within Pensacola, while others are only a short drive away. Additionally, there are options for those seeking competitive four-year programs and those exploring two-year professional degrees. Below is a list and description of some of the best colleges and universities in and around the Pensacola area.

University of Florida

The University of Florida is located in Gainesville, which is about a five-hour drive away from Pensacola. The University of Florida offers over 90 majors for undergraduates, a top-notch business school, and an excellent medical school; the University of Florida is ranked in the top 5 best research institutions in the country. If you’re interested in attending college near Pensacola and would like to attend a competitive and well-respected university, you may consider the University of Florida. They have several Division I sports teams with the Gators as the mascot.

University of West Florida

Signs at Flounders by Chris Palmer is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0

The University of West Florida is located in Pensacola and offers various four-year degree programs. If you want to stay local in Pensacola, this school may be perfect for you. Some of the most popular majors at UWF include engineering, communication studies, and management. The University of West Florida has the third-largest campus in the state university system. The mascot for this school is Arnie the Argonaut.

Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit university located in Orange Beach, Alabama. The school offers a wide range of degrees, including business, education, and fire science. It has around 13,000 students enrolled in undergraduate programs. Sir Maximus is the mascot for Columbia Southern University. One benefit of this school is the diverse distance learning opportunities offered in many subjects for certificate, undergraduate, and graduate students.

Pensacola Christian College

Pensacola Christian College is a private Baptist school located in Pensacola. Over 4,000 students are enrolled at Pensacola Christian College, including both full-time and part-time students. Academic departments include nursing, Bible study, and visual arts. The school’s campus is north of downtown Pensacola, near Lambert Oaks and Splash City Adventures. This school is another great option for students hoping to attend a school within Pensacola. The mascot for Pensacola Christian College is an eagle.

Pensacola State College

Pensacola State College is located in Pensacola and offers over 100 fields of study, including education, business, and criminal justice. Opened in 1948, it was the first higher education institution established in Pensacola. Currently, around 7,000 undergraduate students attend this school. The mascot for Pensacola State College is a pirate. As Pensacola State College is locally based, you can easily stop by Allen Turner Hyundai to see our new vehicles between classes or on the weekends.

Florida State University

Florida State University is located in Tallahassee, about a three-hour drive away from Pensacola. Florida State University offers over 100 majors for undergraduates, including everything from mechanical engineering to sociology. The university also has many Division I sports teams known as the Seminoles. Two additional perks of this university are the on-campus bowling alley and movie theater.

Troy University

Troy University is located in Troy, Alabama, about a two-hour drive from Pensacola. Troy University was established in 1887 and is well known for its nursing school and business program. The mascot of Troy University is a Trojan warrior. One fun fact about Troy University is that it has received a new name four separate times. It was originally named the Troy State Normal School.

University of Montevallo

The University of Montevallo is located in Montevallo, Alabama, about a 3.5-hour drive away from Pensacola. This university offers 17 undergraduate degrees in disciplines like chemistry, biology, and English. The Falcons represent this University at sporting events. Something additional that’s interesting about this school is that it is Alabama’s only public liberal arts University.

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University is located in Fort Myers, Florida. It’s an eight-hour drive from Pensacola. Florida Gulf Coast University offers 63 undergraduate degrees, 26 master’s degrees, seven doctorates, and 17 certificates. Azul the Eagle is the mascot for this university.

Fortis Institute

Fortis Institute is a for-profit two-year college with programs in various disciplines, including nursing and medical technology. It has multiple campuses, including one in Pensacola, Florida. There are currently about 700 students attending classes at the Pensacola campus of Fortis Institute with many others attending classes on campuses in 13 other states.

Alabama State University

Alabama State University is a public school and located in Montgomery, Alabama. This university is only a 2.5-hour drive from Pensacola. Alabama State University offers over 200 degrees, such as medical technology, business, and culinary arts. This is the largest and oldest university in Alabama and is a short distance to drive for Pensacola locals. The mascot for this school is the hornet.

The University of Southern Alabama Gulf Coast

The University of Southern Alabama Gulf Coast is located in Mobile, Alabama. It’s about a one-hour drive from Pensacola, so it is one of the closest schools available for those who live locally. The University of Southern Alabama’s mascot is the jaguar.

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University is a 4.5-hour drive from Pensacola. It is known for research and engineering and has received accolades in those areas from the National Science Foundation. There are currently around 18,000 students that attend this school. The mascot for Mississippi State University is named Bully the Bulldog. Before you make the drive to Mississippi State, be sure to stop by our service center for regular service.

There are so many great colleges and universities in the Pensacola area, but only one fantastic Hyundai dealer. Stop by Allen Turner Hyundai today or contact us to chat with our team about local colleges and university and to test drive any of our wonderful new and used vehicles currently in stock at our store in Pensacola. Hope to see you soon.