TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, the State University System of Florida commends Governor DeSantis for prioritizing the continued deliverance of an extraordinary impact at our public universities through the Floridians First Budget. The Governor’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 recommendations demonstrate a continued forward-thinking approach to higher education, ensuring enhanced student success, campus safety, top-tier faculty recruitment and retention, and the development of Florida’s future workforce and leaders.
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ steadfast support for the State University System of Florida, we hold the top spot nationwide for higher education,” said Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “The Floridians First Budget strengthens our public universities through a robust accountability model, ensuring our universities are continuing to set the national standard in providing cutting-edge educational opportunities to students and engaging world-class faculty on campuses.”
“Governor DeSantis’ proposed budget propels the State University System of Florida as preeminent, placing us at the forefront of innovation and economic development to secure Florida’s future,” said Florida Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb. “Higher education isn’t just about degrees awarded; the Governor leads the way in transformative change at our public institutions that elevates student outcomes and makes our state the best place to live and work.”
This year, Florida has continued to break records, providing students with high-quality, accessible, and affordable education. With seven public universities ranked in the top 100 nationally by U.S. News and World Report, along with several institutions leading in upward economic mobility and best value, students see a strong return on investment. Florida students experience the lowest tuition rates in the nation, with an average annual cost of $6,300, compared to the national average of $11,600. Nearly 80 percent of Florida undergraduate students haven’t taken out student loans.
Funding for the State University System of Florida in Governor DeSantis’ Floridians First Budget proposal includes:
- $645 million for performance-based funding incentives, driving improvement for students and enhancing accountability in line with SUS 30, the System’s strategic plan;
- $100 million for performance-based recruitment and retention, rewarding and recognizing universities that achieve maximum performance-based funding scores by providing funds to recruit new and retain existing world-class instructional and research faculty members;
- $125 million for preeminence, providing funds to high-performing public universities recognized as preeminent for their exceptional academic and research accomplishments; and
$20.3 million for facility hardening and $1.8 million to expand the Guardian Program at state universities to ensure all of Florida’s students are learning in a safe, secure environment
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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.