Florida A&M University has risen from last place in the 2015
state performance-funding metrics to eighth this year.
FAMU topped the University of North Florida (#11), the
University of West Florida (#10), and New College of Florida (#9). Its total
points earned (65) were only three less than those at Florida State University
(68).
The Florida Board of Governors announced the scores during
its meeting earlier this week.
FAMU made big gains in three metrics, including an eight percent gain in the median average wages of undergraduate students employed in Florida one year after graduation and a five percent gain in second-year retention rates. The university also saw an eight percent increase in the number of graduate degrees awarded in areas of strategic emphasis, including STEM.
The University received marks of excellence in the following
categories:
• Percent of graduates employed full-time or
continuing their education
• Bachelor’s degrees awarded within programs of
strategic emphasis (includes STEM)
• University access rate (percent of
undergraduates with a Pell Grant)
• Percent of funding from external sources
(research and development expenditures)
The University received improvement ratings in the following
areas:
• Median wages of bachelor’s graduates employed
full-time in Florida
• Academic progress rate (second-year retention
with GPA above 2.0)
• Graduate degrees awarded within programs of strategic
emphasis
According to WFSU, “FAMU’s jump up from the bottom slot
means the school will not lose any of its state allocation, and could be in
line to get a piece of the $500 million pot of funds dedicated for performance.
That amount includes a $275 million put in by universities, and $225 million
added by the state. The top eight schools will split the money.”