For the Eighth Year in a Row, Florida is Named the Top State for Higher Education

TALLAHASSEE, FL (May 7, 2024) - U.S. News & World Report has once again named Florida the number one state in the country for higher education. Since the inception of the rankings in 2017, Florida has swept the rankings. Florida has remained number one by graduating students on time, providing students with the lowest cost for in-state tuition and fees, and offering higher education with little to no debt for students.

"We are glad to be recognized for the eighth year in a row as the nation's leader in higher education," said Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. "Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have prioritized higher education and ensured our universities have the resources and support they need to focus on academic excellence and provide safe learning environments for all students."

Since Governor DeSantis took office, Florida has invested record funding in higher education. This past year, the State University System of Florida received a $1 billion increase in funding from the prior year. Under Governor DeSantis, Florida has not increased tuition and fees at any public university, with the average cost of a bachelor's degree down to $3,000 once financial aid is included. Florida remains committed to providing an affordable, world-class higher education to ensure graduates receive a positive return on their investment.

Highlights of Florida's number one higher education ranking include:

• Remaining #1 for lowest tuition and fees
• Remaining #2 for two-year college graduation rates
• Rising to #2 for four-year college graduation rates

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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. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.