Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans are being encouraged by the State University System of Florida to celebrate National College Colors Day on August 29, 2025. The event coincides with the start of the college football season and is an opportunity for supporters to wear their university’s colors in recognition of the system’s 12 institutions.
Chancellor Ray Rodrigues said, “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 held a top spot nationally for higher education since U.S. News & World Report began its rankings in 2017 (https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education/higher-education). The State University System continues its focus on affordability by maintaining some of the lowest four-year tuition rates for in-state students among public universities nationwide (https://www.collegeboard.org/). Tuition rates have not increased since 2014-15.
The system reports that most undergraduate students graduate without taking out student loans. Data show that about two-thirds complete their bachelor’s degree within four years—a record-high rate—and nearly three-quarters are employed or enrolled one year after graduation. Median salaries for graduates have risen as well.
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