2025 was a good year for Florida public universities with seven schools getting ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s latest top 100, state education leaders said as they celebrated their milestones.
“Florida remains the gold standard for higher education thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the Legislature,” said State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues in a statement. “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.”
Looking back on its accomplishments, the State University System of Florida shared their highlights in a recent press release.
The university system said it awarded $645 million in Performance-Based Funding to the 12 public universities during the current fiscal year and recorded a record-high number of pre-licensure nursing graduates.
Another success was growing Florida’s research at the schools.
“For the first time in the System’s history, research expenditures exceeded $3 billion, a $200 million increase from the previous year,” the State University System said in a press release. “Nearly 400 utility patents have been awarded across the System by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, demonstrating the measurable impact of research on campuses that improves lives and creates economic value.”
The press release did not mention some of the challenges the system dealt with in 2025, such as the University of Florida’s disastrous presidential search. Trustees wanted to hire Santa Ono to lead Florida’s flagship school, but the Florida Board of Governors overrode the trustees’ choice. The school recently named a search committee as the quest to hire UF’s next president carries in 2026.
“The Board of Governors is committed to building on the incredible momentum achieved this year,” said Board of Governors Vice Chair and Incoming Chair Alan Levine. “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.”
