Top 10 Photography Schools in Florida

Florida offers strong photography education from research universities to art colleges and community colleges. Here are 10 leading programs (mix of degree levels, updated for 2024 context):

1. University of Miami (Coral Gables) – BFA & MFA in Photography. Strong conceptual/fine art focus; excellent facilities (darkroom, digital, lighting studio); visiting artists; Basel/Art Miami access.
2. Florida State University (Tallahassee) – BFA & MFA. Rigorous technical + critical theory; large format, alt processes; Museum of Fine Arts on campus.
3. University of Florida (Gainesville) – BFA & MFA. Research university resources; interdisciplinary (SA+AH); strong faculty; Gary R. Libby Gallery.
4. Ringling College of Art & Design (Sarasota) – BFA Photography & Imaging. Top-tier art college; industry-aligned; commercial + fine art; exceptional digital/print labs; high job placement.
5. Miami Dade College (Miami) – AS & BAS in Photographic Technology. Largest community college; affordable; strong commercial/portrait track; darkroom + digital; portfolio reviews.
6. Santa Fe College (Gainesville) – AS in Photographic Technology. Hands-on; small classes; darkroom/digital; transfer to UF.
7. Valencia College (Orlando) – AS in Photographic Technology. Industry partnerships (Disney, Universal); commercial focus; great facilities.
8. Broward College (Fort Lauderdale) – AS in Photographic Technology. South FL location; fashion, event, commercial; darkroom + digital.
9. Palm Beach State College (Palm Beach Gardens) – AS in Photographic Technology. Strong fundamentals; portfolio development; affordable.
10. St. Petersburg College (St. Petersburg) – AS in Photographic Technology. Tampa Bay market; commercial/portrait; flexible scheduling.

Honorable Mentions

• Southeastern University (Lakeland) – BFA Photography.
• University of Central Florida (Orlando) – BFA Studio Art (photo concentration).
• Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton) – BFA Visual Arts (photo).
• Daytona State College – AS Photographic Technology (renowned, SE Museum of Photography on campus).

Choosing Factors

• Degree goal: BFA/MFA (fine art, teaching) vs. AS/BAS (commercial, workforce).
• Facilities: Darkroom access? Large format? Digital lab? Studio? Equipment checkout?
• Faculty: Working artists? Commercial pros? Exhibition records?
• Location: Miami (art market, diversity), Orlando (commercial/entertainment), Gainesville/Tallahassee (academic), Sarasota (art college).
• Cost: State universities (~$6k/yr in-state) vs. Ringling (~$50k/yr) vs. CCs (~$3k/yr).

Visit, review graduate work, talk to alumni. Florida's light, landscapes, and markets make it a unique place to study photography.