Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters of the State University System of Florida are encouraged to participate in National College Colors Day on August 29, 2025. The event coincides with the start of the college football season and is an opportunity for the community to wear their university’s colors in recognition of Florida’s public universities.
Chancellor Ray Rodrigues called on all members of the system to take part in the celebration. “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 annual tradition. “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.”
Since 2017, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Florida as number one for higher education among all states (https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education/higher-education). The State University System continues efforts toward academic excellence.
The system offers some of the lowest four-year tuition rates for in-state students nationwide (https://www.collegeboard.org/data-reports-resources/trends-in-college-pricing), having not raised tuition or fees since 2014-15. Most in-state undergraduates—78%—complete their bachelor’s degree without taking out student loans. Four-year graduation rates reached a record high at 66% for first-time-in-college students. Additionally, data shows that 74% of bachelor graduates were either employed or enrolled one year after graduation; median salaries increased to $51,000 (https://www.flbog.edu/resources/fact-books/).
Supporters can purchase licensed merchandise from any of Florida’s twelve public universities as proceeds benefit each institution.
