The State of Florida was ranked first in the nation for both its economy and higher education in the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best States” rankings, published on Tuesday, which placed the state sixth overall among all 50 states.

The state’s economy led the nation largely due to its population growth, including a 2.7 percent job growth rate and a 2.3 percent net migration rate, both well above national averages. Florida also placed 16th in both business environment and employment, categories that reflect labor force participation, new business creation, and venture capital investment.

Florida’s top ranking in higher education is attributed to low in-state tuition and fees, high on-time graduation rates, and comparatively low student debt levels. The state has held the No. 1 position in higher education every year since 2017, marking nine consecutive years at the top.

“Florida’s sustained recognition as the nation’s top state for higher education is a testament to the outstanding performance of our students and faculty, the impact of strategic investments, and the steadfast leadership across our 12 public universities, said Brian Lamb, Chair of the Florida Board of Governors. “Remaining the top state for higher education is evidence that the continued investment in the System by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature is delivering best-in-class returns.”

In other categories, Florida ranked ninth in fiscal stability, 13th in crime and corrections, 15th in infrastructure, and 21st in health care. It ranked 47th in opportunity, a category that measures factors such as affordability, economic mobility, and income equality.

The state moved up from ninth overall in the previous year’s rankings.

The annual report evaluates all 50 states across eight broad categories and more than 70 underlying metrics.