FAMU is raising the bar by setting an ambitious goal of improving its four-year graduation rate from 35 percent to 57 percent. To achieve this goal the university has implemented stricter academic standards for the incoming class of 2024 increasing the average GPA requirement from 4.0 to 4.25. This move aims to enhance the academic readiness and performance of new students.
In addition to GPA improvements, FAMU plans to elevate its academic progress rate. Currently, 81 percent of students advance from one year to the next with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. The university hopes to boost this figure to 90 percent.
A key focus of the strategy is to enhance the college readiness of students, with a goal of increasing the percentage of "calculus-ready" students from 10 percent to 50 percent. This bold move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the academic rigor and success of FAMU graduates.
Furthermore, FAMU is intensifying its efforts to attract more academically talented students, including National Merit Scholars and Florida Bright Future recipients. The university believes that nurturing academic talent will not only bolster its graduation rates but also enrich the campus community and foster a culture of excellence.
University officials are confident that these measures will not only improve student outcomes but also enhance FAMU’s standing among peer institutions. They emphasize that the focus on academic rigor and student success is part of a broader commitment to more preparing more African American college graduates for the challenges of the 21st century.