TALLAHASSEE, FL (May 8, 2024) – Today, Brian Lamb, Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, and the Florida Board of Governors acknowledges Florida’s number one higher education ranking. The ranking will propel the System into the future to reach even greater milestones and continue setting the standard for other states to follow.
“Florida’s continued ranking as the top state for higher education proves our investment is paying off. Thanks to exceptional leadership, Florida’s 12 public institutions continue to see unprecedented levels of achievement. Four-year graduation rates increased from 50% to 60% in the last five years, research expenditures for our System reached a record $2.94 billion, and 77% of resident undergraduate students were loan-free,” said Brian Lamb, Chair of the Florida Board of Governors. “By focusing on student success, social mobility, innovative research, and infrastructure, Florida is serving as a national model for higher education with its performance-based funding initiatives. We won’t rest on our laurels. Our next strategic plan will lay the foundation, start, stop, or make modifications for our future, remain competitive, and meet national and global workforce needs.”
“I am proud of our institutions for achieving this accolade for the 8th year in a row. Florida has invested significantly in programs of strategic emphasis to advance healthcare, nursing, mental health, and research, all leading to improving the human condition. Our students are some of the best and brightest, graduating at the top of their class, being awarded Florida Bright Future Scholarships, and graduating with less student debt. We are so grateful for the support of Governor Ron DeSantis and our friends in the Florida Legislature, who have supported us and held us to a high standard. We are glad to deliver this result for Florida, our nation, and the world,” said Alan Levine, Vice Chair of the Florida Board of Governors.
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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.