U.S. News & World Report has once again named Florida the number one state in the country for higher education. Since the inception of the rankings in 2017, Florida has swept the rankings. 

Florida has remained number one by graduating students on time, providing students with the lowest cost for in-state tuition and fees, and offering higher education with little to no debt for students, according to a statement from the Florida Board of Governors.

“We are glad to be recognized for the eighth year in a row as the nation’s leader in higher education,” said Chancellor Ray Rodrigues of the State University System of Florida. “Gov. (Ron) DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have prioritized higher education and ensured our universities have the resources and support they need to focus on academic excellence and provide safe learning environments for all students.”

Since DeSantis took office, Florida has invested record funding in higher education. This past year, the State University System of Florida received a $1 billion increase in funding from the prior year. Under DeSantis, Florida has not increased tuition and fees at any public university, with the average cost of a bachelor’s degree down to $3,000 once financial aid is included.

Florida remains committed to providing an affordable, world-class higher education to ensure graduates receive a positive return on their investment, according to the Board of Governors.

Highlights of Florida’s number one higher education ranking include:

• Remaining #1 for lowest tuition and fees
• Remaining #2 for two-year college graduation rates
• Rising to #2 for four-year college graduation rates

For a complete list of state rankings, visit USnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education/higher-education.

“Florida State University is proud to be a member of the No. 1 State University System in the country,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “This ranking reflects Florida’s investments in higher education to support student success and research that makes a difference in people’s lives.”