In 2025, the State University System of Florida reported several achievements across its 12 public universities. The system continues to be recognized as the top higher education system in the United States, a position it has held since 2017 according to U.S. News & World Report.
Chancellor Ray Rodrigues attributed this success to state leadership and ongoing efforts within the system. “Florida remains the gold standard for higher education thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the Legislature,” said 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 highlighted collaboration with university leaders throughout the year. “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,” Lamb stated. “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.”
Alan Levine, Vice Chair and Incoming Chair of the Board of Governors, emphasized continued focus on progress. “The Board of Governors is committed to building on the incredible momentum achieved this year,” Levine said. “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.”
At the start of 2025, the Board launched SUS30—a strategic plan that sets priorities through 2030.
Performance-based funding was a key initiative during 2025: $645 million was distributed among all public universities based on criteria such as retention rates, graduation rates (which reached a record four-year rate of 66%), employment outcomes after graduation (with nearly three-quarters employed or continuing their studies one year out), median wages ($51,000—an increase over four years), and low levels of federal loan borrowing among students.
Efforts were also made in nursing education through PIPELINE and LINE funds designed to expand nursing programs statewide. For 2025-26, $6 million supported 24 proposals from ten universities; more than 1,900 pre-licensure nursing graduates marked a record high with an examination pass rate at 94%. Over ten years there have been significant increases both in program slots (over 1,000) and graduates (nearly 600 additional).
To promote civic readiness among students, Offices of Public Policy Events were established at each institution—hosting more than fifty events with participation from over three thousand attendees including students and community members.
Campus safety remained a priority: A summit brought together leaders from both university campuses and colleges across Florida focusing on security topics such as building hardening strategies and threat assessments.
Research activity set new records as well; expenditures surpassed $3 billion—a $200 million rise from last year—and nearly four hundred utility patents were awarded by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
Florida’s public universities maintained strong national rankings:
– 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), Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (#92), Florida Atlantic University (#100) also featured prominently.
– In regional rankings by U.S. News & World Report: Florida Polytechnic University was #1 for five consecutive years; New College placed #10 among liberal arts colleges.
– Several institutions appeared in Washington Monthly’s Best Bang for Buck list for Southeast colleges.
– Multiple universities were listed among top U.S. institutions by National Academy of Inventors based on patent activity.
These results reflect ongoing efforts within the State University System aimed at improving educational quality while supporting economic growth through research output.
