Nine Universities Receive the Collegiate Purple Star Campus Designation

~ Three universities recognized with a 2024-25 Military Friendly distinction ~

Tallahassee, FL (November 8, 2024) - Through the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation, the Military Friendly distinction, and Military Times' Best for Vets College rankings, universities are recognized for supporting the more than 15,000 service members, veterans, and their families that are enrolled throughout the State University System of Florida. Nine universities have received the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation for the assistance they provide to veterans and military families. In addition, Florida International University, the University of North Florida and the University of West Florida were recognized with a 2024-25 Military Friendly distinction. This is the 15^th consecutive year UNF has received this honor and the 6^th consecutive year for UWF. The 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges list by the Military Times included the University of West Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University and the University of Central Florida.

"As the most military-friendly state in the country, it is important our universities provide higher education opportunities for our service members and veterans," said Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. "Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have ensured Florida continues to create and implement innovative programs that put our veterans and military families first."

"Our veterans and military families face many additional challenges during their pursuit of higher education. Through the Collegiate Purple Star program, the Online Free Seat program, and tuition waivers, our universities are supporting the needs and addressing the unique obstacles veterans and military families face," said Brian Lamb, Chair of the Florida Board of Governors.

The following universities have received the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation by providing priority course registration, a designated military liaison, dedicated resources for military students and families, student-led transition programs, and professional development and training opportunities.

• Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
• Florida Atlantic University
• Florida International University
• Florida State University
• University of Central Florida
• University of Florida
• University of North Florida
• University of South Florida
• University of West Florida

The State University System of Florida supports active military, veterans and their families through many additional initiatives. A few of these initiatives are outlined below:

• Guaranteeing military service members receive uniform postsecondary college credit based upon the military courses, training and occupations they have completed.
• Establishing the Free Seat Program to encourage veterans and active duty members to enroll in online baccalaureate degree programs by waiving the tuition and fees for the first term of their program.
• Providing priority course registration for veterans who are receiving G.I. Bill educational benefits.
• Waiving out-of-state fees for honorably discharged veterans who physically reside in Florida while enrolled at a university and for active duty members residing or stationed out of the state.

Additional information about programs and assistance for military personnel and veterans can be found on the Military & Veterans Affairs page of the Board of Governors website.

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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 flbog.edu or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.