For the 2019-2020 academic year, FAMU received approximately 11,000 applications, a record. However, the 1,345 first-time-in-college undergraduate students enrolled last fall was one of the smallest cohorts in several years.
This cohort had an average 3.55 GPA, the highest in recent history. "That is no accident. In order to meet our strategic goals and the performance metrics instituted by the Florida Board of Governors, we have had to elevate the profile of students admitted to the university," wrote President Larry Robinson, in an op-ed appearing in yesterday's Tampa Bay Times. "We have done this while also establishing a pathway through the IGNITE transfer program and by working with stakeholders to help students and parents understand what is needed to join the ranks of our student body."
"We believe in the innate ability of every applicant and anticipate their eventual success. Their success is essential to our success. Our success is critical to Florida maintaining a diverse and talented workforce, eliminating economic disparities, and creating a future that continues to make all of us proud to be Floridians," he added.
Last summer the Florida Board of Governors told FAMU, which had planned to grow to 12,000 students, to slow its growth and focus on quality. The BOG had pointedly told FAMU to improve the academic stature of its freshman class or grow by admitting more community college transfers.
The reduced enrollment could have an affect on several fronts. Lower enrollments produces less student fees, and a lower athletic budget. Conversely, more students result in more revenue. And, a better student success and performance could result in additional revenue via the state's performance based funding model.
Last summer the Florida Board of Governors told FAMU, which had planned to grow to 12,000 students, to slow its growth and focus on quality. The BOG had pointedly told FAMU to improve the academic stature of its freshman class or grow by admitting more community college transfers.
The reduced enrollment could have an affect on several fronts. Lower enrollments produces less student fees, and a lower athletic budget. Conversely, more students result in more revenue. And, a better student success and performance could result in additional revenue via the state's performance based funding model.