New College of Florida

Florida International University (FIU) is the top-performing state institution with a score of 97, while Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is the lowest at 73. Metrics include graduate wages, graduation rates, and retention. Florida Polytechnic University improved its score by 13 points, and New College of Florida saw the largest drop in graduate employment rates above $40,000. The state budget includes $645 million for performance-based incentives, pending Governor Ron DeSantis' approval.

New College of Florida, controlled by Ron DeSantis's hand-picked board, will acquire the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus to triple in size. A leading Democratic lawmaker criticized the deal as 'a grift.'

New College of Florida, controlled by a board appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, is set to acquire the Sarasota-Manatee campus of the University of South Florida in a move to expand its size. A leading Florida Democrat criticized the deal as 'a grift.'

Darryl Rouson, a state senator from Tampa Bay, announced he will not run for the Florida House District 62 seat this year and will step down after 18 years in the legislature. He will take a position at New College of Florida. Rouson, who served in both the House and Senate, is term-limited from his Senate seat and had considered running for the House seat.

Leaders from New College of Florida and the University of South Florida support a planned land transfer where New College will assume full liability for USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus by December 31, 2026. The agreement, part of budget negotiations, drops a $20 million funding transfer to New College, though both institutions emphasize collaboration and student benefits. New College aims to expand its campus footprint, having previously sought the Ringling Museum and federal airport land.