Florida State University moved up two spots to No. 3 in the 2025 College Free Speech Rankings, compiled by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and College Pulse. The rankings serve as a tool to help students and families identify which colleges promote and protect the free exchange of ideas.

(Photo: Anna Prentiss)

FSU is the highest-rated university from the state of Florida on the list and one of only three universities in the nation to receive a rating of “good.”

“Florida State University cherishes intellectual debate and encourages a culture of meaningful civil discourse among students and faculty,” said President Richard McCullough. “We are proud that FIRE continues to rank FSU as one of the top colleges in the nation and the best in Florida for free expression.”

FIRE, a nonprofit organization committed to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought, and College Pulse, an online survey research and analytics company, surveyed college undergraduates about their perceptions and experiences regarding free speech on their campuses.

“Florida State University cherishes intellectual debate and encourages a culture of meaningful civil discourse among students and faculty. We are proud that FIRE continues to rank FSU as one of the top colleges in the nation and the best in Florida for free expression.”

– FSU President Richard McCullough

More than 58,000 college students currently enrolled in four-year degree programs at 258 universities were surveyed. Schools are ranked from best to worst according to campus free speech climates.

The College Free Speech Rankings are based on a composite score of 14 components, seven of which assess student perceptions of different aspects of the speech climate on their campus. The other seven assess behavior by administrators, faculty and students regarding free expression on campus.

“Ensuring that every individual has the right to freely express themselves is paramount to the mission of Florida State University,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “This fundamental right is integral to our university culture, and we are dedicated to fostering an environment where diverse ideas and opinions can flourish without infringing on the rights of others.”

Florida State has held the organization’s “green light” rating for free speech on campus since 2020. The green light is the top rating of FIRE’s Speech Code Ratings, which universities earn if its “policies do not seriously imperil speech.” A green light rating is held by only three other institutions in Florida.