Students, alumni, faculty, and supporters of the State University System of Florida are being encouraged to celebrate National College Colors Day on August 29, 2025. The event coincides with the beginning of the college football season and aims to highlight the achievements of Florida’s public universities.
Chancellor Ray Rodrigues stated, “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. 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, added: “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. 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.”
Florida has been recognized as having top-ranked higher education since U.S. News & World Report began ranking states by higher education quality in 2017. The state maintains one of the lowest four-year tuition rates for residents among public universities nationwide. Tuition rates for in-state students have not increased since 2014-15 across all 12 public universities within Florida’s system.
A significant percentage—78%—of in-state undergraduate students complete their bachelor’s degrees without taking out student loans. The system recently reached a record-high four-year graduation rate at 66% for first-time-in-college students. Additionally, data shows that 74% of graduates were either employed or enrolled one year after graduation; median salaries for these graduates rose to $51,000.
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