Why Now. Why This Matters.
Florida A&M University has stood for 139 years as a beacon of Black excellence, academic achievement, and community empowerment. Today, that legacy faces a real and present threat from political operatives at the highest levels of Florida's public institutions advancing an agenda that has nothing to do with the students and alumni they're supposed to serve.
The Rattler Freedom Fund exists because FAMU's legacy is too important to be held hostage to political winds. We are building an independent institution — funded by and for the Rattler family — so that FAMU's mission, values, and students are never subject to the whims of any political administration.
We don't ask for permission. We take care of our own. On our own. Together, we cannot be stopped.
Independent Governance
Radical Transparency
Direct Impact
Alumni-Driven
Core Strategic Pillars
RECLAIM OUR C.A.M.P.U.S.
COMMUNITY
Activating the vast alumni network to recruit peers and extend reach organically.
ACTION
Converting awareness into donations at every touchpoint
MOMENTUM
Using each major event as a launch pad for the next
PRIDE
Rattler culture and FAMU identity as the emotional foundation
URGENCY
The real and present threat to FAMU’s independence from political interference
STRATEGY
Balancing urgency with systemic, sustainable approaches to student success
Speaking to You, Specifically
Students
Your education is under attack by people who don't share your values and don't represent your interests. The Rattler Freedom Fund exists so you always have a financial backstop that is 100% on your side.
Seasoned Alumni (15+ years)
We've spent decades building FAMU into what it is. We will not let a political moment undo that work.
Recent Alumni (0–15 years)
FAMU made us. Now it's our turn to protect what made us. Your degree's value is tied to FAMU's reputation and independence — protecting FAMU protects your legacy.
Supporters
This is bigger than one university. When a state government can weaponize a public university against its own students, every institution of higher learning, every HBCU — and everyone who believes in education — has a stake in the outcome.
THE NEED
IS REAL
3.9 GPA
23 ACT
The average incoming freshman has a 3.9 GPA and 23 ACT score
2 IN 5
Yet only 2 in 5 FAMU students graduate in Four-Years (*First Time in College students)
Challenges include: housing insecurity, part-time work, less-than-full-time courseload, family pressures
ONGOING
CHALLENGES
Per-Semester Cost of
a FAMU Education
Florida has the lowest tuition and fees in the nation*, yet the financial burden is too great for many students to bear.
TUITION & FEES
In-State
$3,000
Out-of-State
$9,000
Books
$500 - $600
per semester
HOUSING
$3,000–$4,000
per semester
Meal Plan
Commuters
$400-$1000
on-campus
$2600-$3000
Source: Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2025; https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/Trends-in-College-Pricing-and-Student-Aid-2025-final_1.pdf
