The Princeton Review Recognizes Rollins Among Nation’s Best Colleges

Rollins has been named one of the best colleges in the nation this year in The Princeton Review’s annual roundup of the nation’s best colleges.

Only about 15 percent of America’s 2,800 four-year colleges are profiled in the 2027 edition of the college guidebook, which includes detailed profiles of colleges based on data collected by The Princeton Review on an institution’s academic offerings and surveys of enrolled students. Focused on serving students for more than 45 years, The Princeton Review is one of the country’s leading tutoring, test prep, and college admissions services companies.

“The colleges we profile in our book vary by type, size, locale, and campus culture,” says Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review and lead author of The Best 392 Colleges. “In our opinion, each one offers an academically outstanding undergraduate education. They are truly a select group. The colleges that make our ranking lists do so entirely as a result of their own students' opinions of them.”

In its overall profile on Rollins, this year’s guide quotes extensively from surveyed students, who describe the College as emphasizing “community engagement” and “hands-on experience.” Students also point to opportunities to apply classroom learning to “tackling real-world projects,” including public relations work for a local nonprofit and providing evidence-based solutions to a company’s human resources team.

They also praise Rollins professors, who “are absolutely life-changing,” with one student explaining, “My professors are incredible and truly aim to have their students succeed and actually take something away from the lecture that can be applicable to their day-to-day lives.” Small class sizes “feel more personal, and you’re able to connect to the professor,” while study abroad opportunities make global learning accessible, with one student noting that “your scholarships travel with you and there are lots of options for long- and short-term programs.”

Beyond the classroom, students describe Rollins as a close-knit community where “the creation of lasting relationships” comes naturally and “you will always see a familiar face or two when walking to class.” Students say their peers are “motivated, ambitious, and focused on success” and value the diversity of perspectives on campus. Campus life offers even more ways to connect, from studying on Mills Lawn to paddleboarding on Lake Virginia.

The Princeton Review also released unique rankings that name the top 25 colleges in a handful of additional categories, with Rollins ranking in the following:

No. 7 Best Health Services

Health and wellness are central to a Rollins education. The Rollins Wellness Center provides routine and urgent care, while wellness programs and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offer resources and support for students’ mental and emotional well-being.

No. 14 Best Student Support and Counseling Services

This ranking reflects our commitment to giving our students the care and support they need to live their best lives. At Rollins we focus on the whole student, offering a vast array of supportive programs and resources that target the many layers of a college education—from juggling academics to maintaining mental health.

No. 22 Best Classroom Experience

The only top-ranked Florida school recognized in this category, Rollins earned the distinction based on student ratings of professors, facilities, and classroom discussion. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and average class size of 17, students receive individualized attention through open dialogue, hands-on experiences, and close mentorship from expert faculty who know their goals and dreams.

No. 10 Best Campus Food

With dining options for every palate and preference, Rollins Dining has been recognized everywhere from The Daily Meal to Peta 2 as a destination for foodies. From waffles and wood-fired pizza to fresh sushi and international cuisine, our food isn’t merely delicious, it’s also inclusive. With options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies, there’s truly something for everyone.

No. 16 College City

Rollins is more than a home base to live and learn—it’s a gateway to the best of Winter Park and Orlando. Our prime location in Winter Park, just minutes from Orlando’s city center, puts both career-building opportunities and world-class recreation within easy reach. Students can connect with thriving tech companies and aerospace industry leaders, pursue internships and other professional experiences, and make the most of everything from theme parks and outdoor adventures to pro basketball games and Broadway shows.

No. 24 Community Relations

Since 1885, Rollins has shared a strong connection with the surrounding community, welcoming residents to campus for experiences that entertain, educate, and enrich. From student theatre, dance, and music performances to visiting scholars and free exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of Art, the College offers a vibrant calendar of cultural experiences while giving students meaningful ways to connect with and contribute to the community.

No. 23 Best College Dorms

Rollins’ residence halls are more than places to live—they’re living-learning communities with unique amenities, from lake views and pools to classrooms and cafes. With 20 on-campus residential communities, including traditional residence halls, furnished apartments, and special residential organizations, students can find a space that fits their lifestyle. Opening in fall 2026, the new East End Neighborhood adds a vibrant 133,000-square-foot residential community to the northeastern edge of campus.

No. 19 Best College Theater

The longest-running theater in Florida, Rollins’ historic Annie Russell Theatre hosts an exciting slate of musicals and dramas starring student and faculty performers. The 360-seat proscenium theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and projection technology used in Broadway and Cirque du Soleil productions. The adjacent Tiedtke Theatre & Dance Centre includes a flexible black-box theater, professional dance studio, and 2,400-square-foot costume and technology studio, giving students exceptional spaces to create and perform.

No. 17 Most Active Student Government

With more than 150 student organizations—including an active Student Government Association (SGA)—Rollins offers countless ways to build community, leadership skills, and connections. SGA includes a judicial board, 30-member senate, and 10-member executive board, with meetings open to all students.

No. 24 Most Beautiful Campus

Defined by Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, Rollins’ lakeside campus consistently earns praise from students and outlets such as Niche and Condé Nast Traveler as one of the nation’s most beautiful college campuses.

No. 22 Best Quality of Life

This ranking reflects everything from a beautiful and welcoming lakeside campus and comfortable residential communities to award-winning dining, a slew of recreational opportunities, and more than 100 student organizations. With Orlando’s opportunities just minutes away and a strong sense of community on campus, Rollins gives students an exceptional place to live, learn, and thrive.