University of Florida

The University of Florida, in Gainesville, is a huge public flagship with big Gators spirit, football Saturdays at 'the Swamp,' and a campus where you may spot alligators near Lake Alice. It is the birthplace of Gatorade, created by UF researchers for the football team in 1965, and it is strong in agriculture, engineering, business and health sciences. With warm weather and plenty of clubs, it offers a classic big-school college experience at a public-school price.