Key Takeaways
- A strong academic foundation: FAMU’s Class of 2030 averaged a 3.9 core high school GPA, a 1,150 SAT score and a 23 ACT score. More than half arrived with college credits already completed.
- A more targeted recruitment strategy: FAMU's strategy places a greater value on academic readiness, program fit, and scholarship, and over sheer numbers. The university relies on its stronger partnerships with high schools, state colleges, and alumni networks.
- Recruitment is expanding its reach: FAMU representatives will visit Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area in November, including outreach during the Florida Classic.
As FAMU’s Class of 2030 settles into campus life, the university is already working to attract its next class, building on the academic credentials of its newest students.
FAMU enrolled 1,900 students from more than 32,000 applicants this year. The incoming class posted an average core high school GPA of 3.9, an average SAT score of 1,150 and an average ACT score of 23.
William E. Hudson Jr., Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs, said the university’s recruitment strategy has evolved beyond traditional outreach to focus on students’ academic preparation and alignment with university programs.
“The University is recruiting not simply for enrollment volume, but for academic readiness, program fit and student success,” Hudson said.
FAMU’s strategy combines data-informed enrollment planning with relationship-building through high schools, state colleges, alumni, faculty and families. The university is also expanding targeted scholarship support and recruitment for high-demand and preeminent academic programs.
“Our goal is to continue to recruit the best and brightest students at the undergraduate and graduate level,” Hudson said. “Enrollment management is more than one person, one department or one division. Every FAMU constituent has a role.”
For the university, the work of recruiting a new class begins well before applications are submitted and continues after students arrive on campus. The challenge is to translate interest in FAMU into enrollment, and to ensure that the students who choose the university are prepared to make the most of the opportunity.
With a keen focus on building the Classes of 2031 and 2032 in mind, university recruiters are spreading out across Florida, and the nation, this fall with recruitment stops at Polk State College in Winter Haven on Nov. 17; St. Petersburg College’s Gibbs Campus on Nov. 18; and events in Tampa and Orlando on Nov. 20. Through these efforts, FAMU aims to the next generation of Rattlers poised to lead and succeed.