Stetson University has been voted Central Florida’s Favorite College, winning a competition by The Orlando Sentinel among 29 colleges.

Thanks to the overwhelming support of the Hatter Nation, Stetson was selected as the top Gold Winner among colleges and universities in the Sentinel’s 2025 Central Florida Favorites contest. 

The competition began in March when the Central Florida community was invited to nominate its favorite colleges, as well as businesses in a wide range of categories. Voting then took place April 7 – 25.

Gold, Silver and Bronze winners were announced Sunday, July 27, in each category, including favorite restaurants, places to stay and things to do.

Stetson was nominated with 28 other colleges and universities for the contest, including the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, Rollins, Valencia, Full Sail, Florida Southern and Florida Polytechnic. 

“What a powerful testament from our students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends,” said Stetson President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD. 

“These are the people who know Stetson best and have experienced our close-knit community, the culture of kindness, the sense of belonging and the academic excellence that has long distinguished Stetson University.”

Top Ranked with a Storied Past

Founded in 1883, Stetson was named for famed hatmaker John B. Stetson, a benefactor and President of the Board of Trustees, who owned a winter home in DeLand.

Today, the small private university consistently is recognized as one of the Best Colleges in America, offering more than 100 areas of study for undergraduate and graduate students. 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the campus in DeLand has been selected among the most beautiful college campuses in the South — “a sight to behold,” according to Southern Living magazine.

Stetson College of Law was established as Florida’s first law school and is ranked No. 1 in America for Trial Advocacy and No. 3 for Legal Writing by U.S. News & World Report. 

• Go Hatters!

The Orlando Sentinel’s
Central Florida Favorites 2025 Winners magazine