Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted seven Florida institutions inside the top 100 of public universities in America during a news conference at the University of Florida in Gainesville this week. The recognition fortifies the state's No. 1 spot among higher education institutions in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report.
“Florida has held the #1 spot in higher education for ten years in a row, and we have much more to do,” DeSantis said in a press statement. “Florida’s public universities offer the lowest in-state tuition in the country, allowing students to receive a quality education without a massive debt burden. More than three-quarters of Florida students graduate loan-free, and we ranked #1 for four-year graduation rates. With seven Florida institutions in the top 100 public universities nationwide, we’ve proven that academic achievement does not have to break the bank.”
The University of Florida (UF) tops all state universities as the seventh-best public university in America, according to a report. Overall, UF placed thirtieth among all universities (public or private) in the country.
The Gainesville school was also ranked as the best public university in the nation for graduating students on time, as well as providing the lowest net cost and impact on salary performance after graduation, according to the Wall Street Journal.
During the news conference, Gov. Ron DeSantis also boasted that there have been no tuition increases for Florida residents since he became governor in 2019. He also touted the success of Florida's Bright Futures scholarship program for making that a reality.
In addition, Gov. DeSantis noted Florida's prepaid college program, which allows parents to prepay for their child’s education at a guaranteed fixed rate.
After UF, Florida State ranked twenty-first among public universities on the list. The Tallahassee-based school also finished twelfth among public universities for first-hand experiences.
The University of South Florida (USF) ranked No. 43. USF was also recognized as having the 12th-best value among public universities and the 19th-best for innovation.
Florida International University, Central Florida, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, and Florida Atlantic University also ranked among the top 100.
