The University of Central Florida was the state’s most financially efficient university last year, a new state audit found, with the Orlando school spending far less per student and per degree than the 11 others.

“Where do I put my money that I’m getting the best, the most results from the dollars I invest? The answer is UCF,” said Ben Watkins, director of Florida’s Division of Bond Finance, speaking to the Florida Board of Governors on Thursday.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, New College of Florida in Sarasota — which Gov. Ron DeSantis has been overhauling since 2023 — was the most expensive of the state’s 12 state universities. New College, though by far the smallest state university, spent almost twice what the next closest school shelled out per student in state funds.

The Flo

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