~ Five System universities recognized with a 2026-2027 Military Friendly® distinction ~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—In honor of November as Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month, the State University System of Florida (System) is proud to announce that 11 of its public universities have been designated as Collegiate Purple Star Campuses, recognizing their commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and military families pursuing higher education in Florida. In addition, five universities earned a 2026-2027 Military Friendly® distinction.
“Florida has long been recognized as one of the most military-friendly states, and our public universities play an important role in assisting those who have served our country,” said Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine. “By providing direct support and resources, we proudly give back to the brave men and women who have defended our nation. I am grateful to the universities for their dedication to serving military families.”
“Our service members, veterans, and military families bring invaluable leadership, experience, and perspective to Florida’s public universities,” said System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “These designations highlight the exceptional efforts universities across the System are making to support military-connected students throughout their academic journey.”
The System proudly serves more than 19,000 military-affiliated students across the state. From advising services to scholarship opportunities, System universities offer a wide range of support to ensure veterans and military families have the resources they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Collegiate Purple Star Campus Program
The Collegiate Purple Star Campus program, established by the Florida Legislature in 2023, highlights universities that provide dedicated resources, services, and support designed to help military-connected students succeed.
Our universities support military-connected students through several initiatives, such as academic credit for military training and experience, priority course registration, tuition benefits, professional development and training opportunities, and pathways that help veterans transition successfully into civilian life.
The following universities have received the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation:
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- Florida Atlantic University
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Florida International University
- Florida Polytechnic University
- Florida State University
- University of Central Florida
- University of Florida
- University of North Florida
- University of South Florida
- University of West Florida
2026-2027 Military Friendly® Ratings
Military Friendly® started in 2003 and evaluates institutions using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer), and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
Five System universities are recognized with a 2026-2027 Military Friendly® distinction:
- Florida Atlantic University – 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School Gold and 2026-2027 Military Spouse Friendly® School among Tier 1 Research Institutions
- Florida International University – 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School Gold and 2026-2027 Military Spouse Friendly® School among Tier 1 Research Institutions
- University of Central Florida – 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School Gold and 2026-2027 Military Spouse Friendly® School among Tier 1 Research Institutions
- University of North Florida – 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School Silver and 2026-2027 Military Spouse Friendly® School among Large Public Institutions
- University of West Florida – 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School Gold and 2026-2027 Military Spouse Friendly® School among Large Public Institutions
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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 and a Board-appointed Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. The System comprises 12 universities and more than 431,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has ranked number one in higher education by U.S. News & World Report since the inception of the rankings in 2017, recognized for providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.