The State University System of Florida is encouraging participation in National College Colors Day on Friday, August 29, 2025. The event invites students, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans to show support for the System’s 12 institutions by wearing their university’s colors as the college football season begins.
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 been ranked as having the top higher education system by U.S. News & World Report since 2017. The state maintains some notable metrics: it has kept in-state tuition for public universities unchanged since 2014-15—the lowest four-year rate nationally—and most undergraduates complete their degrees without taking student loans. Graduation rates are high: a record 66% four-year graduation rate was set for first-time-in-college students; additionally, most bachelor graduates were either working or enrolled one year after graduation with median salaries reaching $51,000.
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