In 2025, the State University System of Florida reported a series of milestones across its 12 public universities. The system continues to be recognized as the top higher education system in the United States, with leaders citing ongoing efforts to support students and drive economic growth.
“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.”
Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb stated, “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. 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.”
Board of Governors Vice Chair and Incoming Chair Alan Levine added, “The Board of Governors is committed to building on the incredible momentum achieved this year. 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 2025, the Florida Board of Governors introduced SUS30—a strategic plan outlining priorities through 2030.
Among notable achievements this year was $645 million distributed in Performance-Based Funding among all public universities. These funds were allocated based on metrics such as retention rates, graduation rates—which reached a record four-year rate of 66%—and employment outcomes after graduation.
Nearly 80% of students at Florida public universities did not take out federal loans during their studies. Within one year after graduation, about three-quarters are either employed or continuing their education; median wages have increased by $10,000 over four years to $51,000.
To address nursing shortages in Florida’s workforce, PIPELINE (Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers, and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education) and LINE (Linking Industry to Nursing Education) programs provided $6 million in funding across 24 proposals from ten universities for academic year 2025-26. This resulted in more than 1,900 pre-licensure nursing graduates—a record high—and an examination pass rate of 94%. Over ten years there has been an increase of more than 1,000 pre-licensure program slots statewide.
The establishment of Offices of Public Policy Events at each institution led to over fifty events attended by more than 3,200 participants throughout the year. These events aim to foster open dialogue among students on civic issues.
Campus safety was also addressed with a summit involving both university leaders and those from the Florida College System focusing on threat assessments and communication strategies.
Florida’s public universities maintained strong positions in national rankings:
– The University of Florida ranked #7 among public institutions.
– Other schools such as Florida State University (#21), University of South Florida (#43), Florida International University (#46), University of Central Florida (#57), among others received recognition from U.S. News & World Report.
– In regional rankings by U.S. News & World Report: Florida Polytechnic University remained #1 among southern regional colleges; New College of Florida placed #10 among liberal arts colleges.
– Several institutions appeared prominently in Washington Monthly’s “Best Bang for the Buck” Southeast list.
– Multiple state universities were included in National Academy of Inventors’ Top 100 U.S. Universities List.
For research activity during this period:
Research expenditures surpassed $3 billion—a first for the system—with nearly $200 million more spent compared with last year. Nearly 400 utility patents were awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office across all campuses.
