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State University System of Florida Elevates the Standard of Excellence Due to Accountability

~ The average cost of a bachelor’s degree is only $1,300 after factoring in financial aid ~

Tallahassee, FL (September 18, 2024) – The Florida Board of Governors approved the 2024 Accountability Plan for the State University System of Florida enhancing the commitment to accountability. The plan shows the System’s record-high four-year graduation rate of 62%, the decreased cost of a bachelor’s degree at $1,300 when financial aid is included, and the increase in median wages of bachelor graduates to $50,000 one year after graduation.

“The results within the 2024 Accountability Plan are further evidence that the State University System of Florida is the number one system for higher education in the nation. The persistent focus on accountability sets our System and our institutions apart from those across the country,” said Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “We would not continue to reach landmark accomplishments without the excellent leadership and vision of Governor DeSantis and the strong support from the Florida Legislature.”

“The institutions within the State University System of Florida continue to produce remarkable results for students while remaining affordable,” said Brian Lamb, Chair of the Florida Board of Governors. “The performance of our System shows our university faculty, staff, and leadership, as well as our students, remain committed to improving outcomes and pursuing academic excellence.”

Highlights from the 2024 System Accountability Plan, include:

  • The average cost of a bachelor’s degree drastically decreased from $3,000 to $1,310 after including financial aid.
  • The median wages of bachelor’s graduates employed one year after graduation increased to $50,000.
  • The percentage of bachelor’s degrees awarded within programs of strategic emphasis increased to 60%.
  • The percentage of graduate degrees awarded within programs of strategic emphasis increased to 65%.
  • The number of first-time-in-college students returning for their sophomore year at the same institution increased to 89%.  
  • The percentage of bachelor’s graduates enrolled or employed one year after graduation increased to 74%.
  • The four-year graduation rate for Pell recipients increased to 58%.

The 2024 System Accountability Plan summarizes the data from each university’s accountability plans, which can be found on the Accountability Plans page of the Florida Board of Governors website. These plans include data specific to that institution along with important narrative information detailing key opportunities and initiatives.

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About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors

The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The System has 12 universities and more than 430,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has held the top spot in U.S. News & World Report for higher education since the inception of the rankings in 2017. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the System’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. For more information, visit  or follow us on  and .