When it comes to Florida’s placement on U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of the best states for higher education, the third time has definitely proven to be a charm.

For the third consecutive year, Florida sits atop the publication’s Higher Education Rankings, which consider factors such as tuition fees and costs, amount of debt at graduation, and the time it takes students to complete two- and four-year higher ed programs.

“It is no surprise that U.S. News & World Report has again named Florida the top state in the nation for higher education,” said Governor Ron DeSantis, in a statement. “Our state colleges and universities have prioritized affordability and pathways for career and life and, as a result, they are transforming our state. I look forward to celebrating continued success as we build on this positive momentum.”

Earlier this year, Gov. DeSantis issued an executive order calling for Florida to become #1 in the nation in workforce education by 2030. This month, the Florida Legislature unanimously passed House Bill 7071, which establishes the Sail to 60 initiative that aims to increase the percentage of working-age Floridians with a high-value postsecondary certificate, degree, or training experience to 60% by 2030. Currently, 49% of Floridians hold such credentials or training.

Additionally, two Florida colleges — Indian River State College and Miami Dade College — were named winners of the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in April.

While Florida didn’t top any of the individual categories that factored into U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, the state ranked second in both “2-Year College Graduation Rate” and “Tuition and Fees.” Florida also ranked eighth in both “4-Year College Graduation Rate” and “Low Debt at Graduation”

Florida’s lowest ranking in any of the categories was 27th in “Educational Attainment.”

View the full U.S. News & World Report rankings.

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