Today, 鶹ӳý joins the State University System of Florida in celebrating a decade of excellence as Florida is once again ranked No. 1 for Higher Education in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 State Rankings. Since the inception of the rankings in 2017, Florida has led the nation in delivering high-quality, affordable and accessible public higher education.

To mark this historic achievement, the State University System will launch Florida 10 for 10: Celebrating a Decade of Leading Higher Education, a statewide competitive scholarship initiative awarding up to $1,000 to 10 full-time undergraduate students at each participating university.

The 10 scholarships awarded to 鶹ӳý students will be available through the university’s . To apply, students are required to submit a written essay or a video essay explaining why they chose to pursue higher education in Florida and why they selected 鶹ӳý. Applications will open Monday, Aug. 3, and are due Oct. 2.

“Florida’s Board of Governors cares about one thing, first and foremost — student achievement.” — Alan Levin, Florida Board of Governors chair

In addition to the Florida 10 for 10 scholarships, students will also be able to complete their general scholarship applications through the , which connects them with hundreds of scholarships through 鶹ӳý colleges and departments. In fiscal year 2025 alone, 鶹ӳý awarded more than 3,200 scholarships and over $7.5 million to students.

“Florida’s Board of Governors cares about one thing, first and foremost — student achievement,” says Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine. “Parents and students know that when they choose Florida’s system of higher education, they are investing in a degree that has value. Our students graduate with low or no debt, and they have high-value jobs they can compete for. That is what students, parents and taxpayers rightly expect. Student success is behind every decision we make as Florida’s governing body for higher education.”

“I am deeply proud to lead and represent the No. 1 public university system in the nation,”says State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues.“At a time when confidence in higher education is being tested, Florida has remained focused on improving student outcomes and ensuring academic programs are grounded in merit and excellence. By prioritizing skills and qualifications, our universities are developing the next generation of leaders for Florida and the nation. I thank our university leadership, faculty and staff whose dedication and commitment make this success possible every day.”

“Our decade of nationwide higher education leadership reflects a commitment to excellence, opportunity and innovation.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, 鶹ӳý president

“Florida’s future is being built by the talent developed across our State University System. Our decade of nationwide higher education leadership reflects a commitment to excellence, opportunity and innovation,” says 鶹ӳý President Alexander N. Cartwright. “This recognition illustrates what is possible when universities align education with rapidly evolving societal needs. As Florida’s Technological University, 鶹ӳý is proud to produce in-demand talent at an unmatched scale while preparing the tech-literate professionals who will shape Florida’s next generation of prosperity.”

That leadership is reflected in outcomes that matter most to students and families. Florida’s public universities compete successfully on the national stage, ensuring graduates earn high‑quality degrees and move confidently into their careers and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Additional Florida higher education highlights include:

  • No. 1 in the nation for lowest in-state tuition
  • No. 1 for attracting and developing a skilled workforce
  • Seven State University System institutions ranked in the nation’s top 100 public universities
  • 80% of in-state students attend a State University System institution without a federal student loan
  • Nearly 75% of graduates are employed or continuing their education, with a median salary of $52,600 within one year of graduation

鶹ӳý produces more than 19,000 graduates annually, the most of any State University System institution, and many work in high-demand fields such as engineering and nursing that are vital to Florida’s future. 鶹ӳý also is the nation’s leading provider of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries, according to Aviation Week.

鶹ӳý is among the nation’s 10 Most Innovative Schools among public universities, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. This month 鶹ӳý was ranked among the top 10 by SmartAsset for America’s Best Value Public Universities.

University leaders across the state credit collaboration, accountability and sustained investment for the State University System’s success.

U.S. News & World Report State Rankings evaluate key metrics, including educational attainment, graduation rates, affordability and federal student loan debt.