The purpose of the State University System of Florida is to serve the needs of the state and society by providing high-quality higher education, innovative research, and public service. Collectively, institutions in the system advance civic principles, foster world-class talent, and propel Florida's economic prosperity.

As required by art. IX, s. 7(d) of the Florida Constitution, the State University System of Florida is overseen by the Board of Governors (BOG), which consists of 17 members. Each system institution has a 13-member Board of Trustees dedicated to the purposes of the system. Each state university's Board of Trustees has the fiduciary responsibility for overseeing university operations, establishing cost-effective policies or regulations consistent with Board of Governors' regulations or guidelines, and implementing and maintaining high-quality educational programs in accordance with the university's mission.

The State University System of Florida is comprised of 12 public universities with an enrollment of more than 430,000 students. The system offers Bachelor's, Master's, Specialist, Professional Doctorate, and Research Doctorate degrees. The Board of Governors maintains a complete list of all degrees available at state universities on its website.

The funding information listed below is provided by Transparency Florida. Please contact the system for more information on its funding. Additional information about system funding and activities is available on the State of Florida Fiscal Portal.

Performance funds are awarded to state universities based on a funding model approved by the Board of Governors, as outlined in s. 1001.92, Florida Statutes. The model uses clear, simple metrics that align with system strategic plan goals, reward excellence or improvement, and acknowledge the unique missions of the different institutions.

Nationally, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a framework for recognizing and describing diverse colleges and universities in the United States. The framework is used to help researchers group and study similar institutions. Florida’s public universities are categorized into the following Carnegie Classifications.

• Doctoral Universities with Very High Research Activity. Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, and University of South Florida.
• Doctoral Universities with High Research Activity. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, University of West Florida, and University of North Florida.
• Research University. Florida Gulf Coast University.
• Institution with an Arts and Sciences Focus. New College of Florida.
• Institution with a Technology, Engineering, and Sciences Focus. Florida Polytechnic University.

For the state's 12 public universities, s. 1001.7065, Florida Statutes, establishes academic and research excellence standards for the Preeminent State Research Universities program.

• Preeminent State Research Universities. Each state university that annually meets at least 12 of the 13 academic and research excellence standards is designated a Preeminent State Research University. Once the university's five-year benchmark plan is approved, the Board of Governors awards the university its proportionate share of any funds provided annually to support the program.
• Emerging Preeminent Research Universities. Each state university that annually meets at least 7 but fewer than 12 of the 13 academic and research excellence standards is designated an Emerging Preeminent Research University. Emerging preeminent research universities must also submit a five-year benchmark plan with target rankings on key performance metrics.

The Board of Governors is encouraged to identify and grant all reasonable, feasible authority and flexibility to ensure that each designated preeminent state research university and each designated emerging preeminent state research university is free from unnecessary restrictions.

• State Universities of Distinction. The State Universities of Distinction program is intended to recognize and invest in universities that focus on one core competency unique to the State University System and have achieved excellence at the national or state level, as recognized by the Board of Governors. The program is also intended to meet state workforce needs and foster an innovation economy focused on areas such as health care, security, transportation, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program applies to all non-preeminent SUS institutions.

Performance measures and standards for the system may be found in its Strategic Plan.

OPPAGA Reports and Presentations
A complete list of OPPAGA reports and presentations is available on our website.

Other Reports
State University System of Florida, Allocation Summary and Workpapers
State University System of Florida, Expenditure Analysis
State University System of Florida, Performance-Based Funding
State University System of Florida, Accountability Plans
A complete list of Florida Auditor General reports is available on its website.

Websites of Interest
Institute for Higher Education Policy
NASPA FirstGen Forward
State Higher Education Finance
The Institute for College Access & Success

State University System of Florida Contact Website
State University System of Florida
325 West Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1950
(850) 245-0466
Website