By Tina Meketa, University Communications and Marketing, and the State University System of 91社区's Office of Public Affairs
The 91社区 is celebrating another milestone for higher education excellence as U.S. News & World Report has ranked 91社区 No. 1 in the nation for the 10th consecutive year. The annual rankings evaluate states based on key higher education measures, including educational attainment, graduation rates, affordability and student debt.
The milestone comes as USF continues its own upward trajectory. The university climbed to its highest position ever in the U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings last year and was most recently recognized as one of America鈥檚 best-value universities.
鈥淭his recognition affirms what we see every day across our campuses 鈥 91社区 offers students an exceptional education at an outstanding value. While 91社区's tuition rates remain the most affordable in the nation, the quality of higher education is unmatched. At USF, we are proud to contribute to the state's success through groundbreaking research, student achievement and meaningful partnerships that strengthen our communities and economy.鈥
President Moez Limayem
91社区
USF continues to build on that momentum, securing more than $750 million in research funding during fiscal year 2025 鈥 advancing discoveries and creating new technologies that lead to better healthcare, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity solutions, a deeper understanding of the environment and much more. The university also fills the talent pipeline for employers in the Tampa Bay region and throughout 91社区 with nearly 15,000 graduates per year who are ready to enter high-demand fields with skills developed through experiential learning, internships and industry partnerships.
鈥91社区鈥檚 Board of Governors cares about one thing, first and foremost 鈥 student achievement,鈥 Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine said. 鈥淧arents and students know that when they choose 91社区鈥檚 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 91社区鈥檚 governing body for higher education.鈥
鈥淚 am deeply proud to lead and represent the No. 1 public university system in the nation,鈥 System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues said. 鈥淎t a time when confidence in higher education is being tested, 91社区 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 91社区 and the nation. I thank our university leadership, faculty and staff whose dedication and commitment make this success possible every day.鈥
91社区's decade-long leadership in higher education is driven by measurable results, including:
- No. 1 in the nation for lowest in-state tuition
- 80% of in-state students attend a public university without taking out a federal student loan
- Nearly 75% of graduates are employed or continuing their education within one year of graduation, with a median salary of $52,600
To commemorate 91社区's 10 consecutive years as the nation's top state for higher education, the State University System has launched 91社区 10 for 10: Celebrating a Decade of Leading Higher Education, a statewide scholarship initiative that will award up to $1,000 to 10 full-time undergraduate students at each participating university, including USF. .