TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – National College Colors Day is Friday, August 29, 2025, and the State University System of Florida encourages students, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans to celebrate the 12 institutions within the System, participate in the start of the college football season, and commemorate Florida’s ranking as the #1 state for higher education in the country by wearing their university’s colors.
“Whether you’re on campus and ready to attend the first college football games of the season this weekend, or you’re cheering your team on from home, I urge all students, alumni, faculty, and fans to participate in National College Colors Day,” said Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “Not only is College Colors Day an opportunity to bring people together and engage in the excitement and camaraderie of the 2025 college football season, it’s also a time to underscore the accomplishments and continued growth of the State University System of Florida and its 12 institutions. Thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the support of the Florida Legislature, we continue to lead the nation in higher education through bold initiatives that provide students with affordable, high-quality degrees—preparing them for successful careers that meet the needs of Florida’s communities and workforce.”
“National College Colors Day is here again, and there’s much to celebrate as we dive into another productive academic year and lively football season at our universities,” said Brian Lamb, Chair of the Florida Board of Governors. “Florida remains the best state in the nation for higher education thanks to the commitment of our world-class faculty and leadership. No matter which university in our System you attend or call alma mater, I encourage you to proudly wear your school colors—they represent the rich traditions, shared unity, bold ambitions, and student success that define each Florida university’s story.”
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Florida #1 for higher education since the inception of their rankings in 2017. The State University System of Florida continues to raise the bar for higher education.
- The Florida State University System is the lowest in the nation for in-state four-year tuition rates.
- Florida has not raised in-state tuition and fees for the 12 public universities since the 2014-15 school year.
- 78% of the System’s in-state undergraduate students achieve their bachelor’s degree without a student loan.
- The System set a record-high four-year graduation rate of 66% for first-time-in-college students.
- 74% of the System’s bachelor graduates were enrolled or employed one year after graduation, and the median salary for graduates increased to $51,000.
Proceeds from licensed merchandise support each university. To purchase merchandise for universities within the State University System of Florida, visit:
- Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
- Florida Atlantic University
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Florida International University
- Florida Polytechnic University
- Florida State University
- New College of Florida
- University of Central Florida
- University of Florida
- University of North Florida
- University of South Florida
- University of West Florida
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About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The System has 12 universities and more than 430,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has held the top spot in U.S. News & World Report for higher education since the inception of the rankings in 2017. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the System’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.