TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In 2025, the State University System reached new heights and achieved record-breaking milestones across its 12 public institutions. Florida continues to rank as the nation’s #1 higher education system due to the System’s commitment to student and operational success, boasting top-tier faculty, producing innovative research, driving economic development, and promoting collaboration across the System.
“Florida remains the gold standard for higher education thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the Legislature,” said State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “The System continuously delivers on providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education to help students reach their goals and propel Florida’s economy to new heights.”
“This year, our Board worked closely with university trustees, presidents, and leadership teams to identify ways to continue elevating student outcomes and serving as a national model of excellence for higher education,” said Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb. “I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of faculty and staff across the System, who relentlessly pursue knowledge and prepare graduates to be top candidates in an evolving and competitive workforce.”
“The Board of Governors is committed to building on the incredible momentum achieved this year,” said Board of Governors Vice Chair and Incoming Chair Alan Levine. “Our focus will remain on driving student success, fostering innovation, and ensuring Florida continues to serve as a benchmark for higher education nationwide. Together, our universities will advance student opportunities and strengthen Florida’s future.”
In January, the Florida Board of Governors launched SUS30, the new strategic plan for the State University System of Florida. SUS30 defines the mission, vision, values, and priority areas that will guide the System through 2030.
Already, the System has hit the ground running on achieving these new goals. Highlights for 2025 include:
Performance-Based Funding
The System awarded $645 million in Performance-Based Funding to its 12 public universities during the current fiscal year. Institutions were evaluated based on key metrics, including retention, graduation rates, and employment outcomes.
- The four-year graduation rate is 66%, a two-percentage-point increase, setting a record high for the System.
- Nearly 80% of Florida public university students attend without taking out a federal student loan.
- One year after graduation, almost 75% of Florida public university students are employed or continuing their education, earning a median wage of $51,000—a $10,000 increase in four years.
Nursing Funding
The PIPELINE (Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers, and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education) and LINE (Linking Industry to Nursing Education) Funds incentivize and reward nursing education programs to increase the number of nurses entering the workforce and address a critical workforce need in Florida.
- For the 2025-26 academic year, $6 million was approved across 24 proposals from 10 System universities.
- There is a record-high number of pre-licensure nursing graduates this year, reaching over 1,900.
- Across the SUS, the nursing examination pass rate is 94%.
- The System has increased pre-licensure program slots by more than 1,000 and produced nearly 600 more pre-licensure nursing graduates over the past 10 years.
Office of Public Policy Events
The establishment of Offices of Public Policy Events across all institutions of the State University System of Florida supports the System’s mission to cultivate student success and civic readiness. By hosting events each semester that highlight diverse perspectives and promote open dialogue, universities prepare students to think critically, engage respectfully, and lead effectively in the workplace and society.
- More than 50 events were hosted across all 12 public institutions, with more than 3,200 participants in attendance, including students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Campus Safety and Preparedness
This fall, the State University System hosted a safety summit for university leadership and Florida College System (FCS) leaders. This event provided an opportunity for the System and FCS to collaborate on addressing key safety topics in the Florida higher education community, including building hardening, threat assessments, and timely, effective communication.
Through the leadership of the Board of Governors, System collaboration, and interagency support, Florida continues to set a national example for comprehensive campus safety initiatives.
Record-Breaking Rankings
Nationally, Florida’s public universities are known for their acclaimed students, faculty, awards, research, and outcomes. Florida has been ranked the #1 state for higher education by U.S. News & World Report since 2017.
2026 Best Colleges Rankings: Public (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
- University of Florida – #7
- Florida State University – #21, up 2 spots
- University of South Florida – #43, up 2 spots
- Florida International University – #46
- University of Central Florida – #57, up 4 spots
- Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University – #92
- Florida Atlantic University – #100, up 3 spots
2026 Regional Public Colleges: South (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
- Florida Polytechnic University – #1 for five consecutive years
2026 Regional Public Universities: South (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
- University of West Florida – #6, up 4 spots
2026 Public Liberal Arts Colleges (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
- New College of Florida – #10
Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: Southeast (Washington Monthly College Guide and Ranking, 2025)
- Florida International University – #1
- University of Central Florida – #2
- New College of Florida – #3
- Florida Atlantic University – #5
- University of Florida – #6
- University of South Florida – #8
- Florida State University – #13
- University of North Florida – #18
- Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University – #33
- University of West Florida – #36
- Florida Gulf Coast University – #46
Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars (Washington Monthly College Guide and Ranking, 2025)
- Florida International University – #8
- University of Central Florida – #17
- New College of Florida – #25
- Florida Atlantic University – #39
Top 100 U.S. Universities List (National Academy of Inventors)
- University of Florida – #13
- University of South Florida – #26
- University of Central Florida – #34
- Florida International University – #42
- Florida State University – #55
Innovative Research and Economic Development
- For the first time in the System’s history, research expenditures exceeded $3 billion, a $200 million increase from the previous year.
- Nearly 400 utility patents have been awarded across the System by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, demonstrating the measurable impact of research on campuses that improves lives and creates economic value.
More information about the System’s 2025 achievements can be found in the Year in Review report.
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