The State University System of Florida is encouraging participation in National College Colors Day on August 29, 2025. The event coincides with the beginning of the college football season and highlights Florida’s standing as the top-ranked state for higher education.
Chancellor Ray Rodrigues called on students, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans to take part in the celebration by wearing their university 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 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.”
Brian Lamb, Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, also commented on this year’s celebration. “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,” Lamb said. “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.”
Florida has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as having held its #1 ranking for higher education since these rankings began in 2017 (https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education/higher-education). The system maintains some notable statistics: it has set a record-high four-year graduation rate at 66% for first-time-in-college students; most bachelor graduates—74%—were enrolled or employed one year after graduation; their median salary reached $51,000; nearly four out of five in-state undergraduates complete their degree without student loans; tuition rates for in-state four-year programs are currently lowest among public universities nationwide; tuition has not increased since 2014-15.
Proceeds from officially licensed merchandise benefit each institution within Florida’s public university system. Those interested can purchase items representing any one of its twelve member universities.
