FAMU Celebrates Florida’s Decade as the Nation’s No. 1 State for Higher Education

State University System launches Florida 10 for 10, a statewide scholarship initiative for undergraduate students

Florida A&M University (FAMU) joins the State University System of Florida (System) in celebrating a decade of excellence as Florida is once again ranked No. 1 in the nation for higher education 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.

The milestone reemphasizes FAMU’s own rise in the rankings. The 1890 land-grant institution remains in the Top 100 among the more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities ranked in the 2026 Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report and was named the Number 1 HBCU by Niche.

“Florida’s recognition as the nation’s No. 1 state for higher education for the tenth consecutive year reflects what becomes possible when state leadership invests boldly in the promise of its people. We are grateful to the Governor, the Florida Legislature, and the Board of Governors for their sustained commitment to excellence — and for their recognition that our state universities are essential engines of research, workforce development, and economic opportunity across this state,” said President Marva B. Johnson, J.D.

To mark this historic achievement, the 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. Applications will open on Monday, August 3. More information on how to apply through individual institutions is available at flbog.edu/FL10for10. 

“Florida’s Board of Governors cares about one thing, first and foremost—student achievement,” said 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 #1 public university system in the nation,” said 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.”

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:

• #1 in the nation for lowest in-state tuition
• Seven System institutions ranked in the nation’s top 100 public universities
• 80% of in-state students attend a 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

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

“At Florida A&M University, we are proud to stand at the center of this achievement. As the nation’s No. 1 public HBCU for seven consecutive years, a Top 100 public national university, and Florida’s 1890 land-grant institution, our mission is not a historical footnote — it is a living mandate to conduct transformative research, educate leaders who serve communities, and extend knowledge in service to Florida and the nation. Together, we are proving that excellence rooted in purpose is not the exception — it is the standard,” said Johnson.  

U.S. News & World Report State Rankings evaluate key metrics for higher education, including educational attainment, graduation rates, affordability, and federal student loan debt. View the FAMU 10 for 10 scholarship submission guidelines here.

 

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