Florida University System Aims to Boost Rankings by 2030
The Florida university system is setting its sights on improving its rankings by 2030, with a goal of having eight of its 12 universities ranked in the top 100 nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Strategic Plan Focuses on Rankings
During a recent meeting, members of the system’s Board of Governors spent a significant amount of time discussing the strategic plan, which includes a focus on improving rankings. The plan also addresses other issues such as increasing research expenditures, improving graduation rates, and boosting median wages of students who earn bachelor’s degrees.
Ranking Goals
By 2030, the board wants Florida State University to join the University of Florida in the top 10 public universities, with the University of South Florida becoming the state’s third school with a top 25 ranking. The plan also seeks to have the University of Central Florida join Florida International University among the top 50, and to bring Florida Atlantic University and the University of North Florida into the top 100.
Florida A&M University Already in Top 100
Florida A&M University has been in the top 100 the past two years, landing at 81 on this year’s list.
Board Member Questions Tuition Impact
Board member Eric Silagy expressed interest in seeing projections on how Florida universities would be ranked if the state’s relatively low tuition rates were taken out of the metrics. Silagy noted that the state’s low tuition rates are a result of significant subsidies from the Legislature and governor.
U.S. News & World Report Rankings Criteria
The rankings consider a range of factors, including student debt and financial resources per student, graduation rates, first-year student retention rates, graduate earnings, peer assessments, faculty salaries, and student-faculty ratios. Graduation rates and peer assessments are the only areas that account for at least 15 percent of a school’s ranking.
Controversy Surrounds Rankings
The focus on U.S. News & World Report rankings has drawn controversy in academic circles, with criticism focused on the criteria used by the online magazine and perceived campaigns by schools for higher rankings. The New York Times recently reported that former University of Florida President Ben Sasse disagreed with the school’s emphasis on the rankings.
Conclusion
The Florida university system’s goal of improving its rankings by 2030 is a significant undertaking that will require a focus on several key areas. By prioritizing graduation rates, peer assessments, and other important metrics, the system can work towards achieving its goal and improving the overall quality of education in the state.
FAQs
Q: What is the goal of the Florida university system’s strategic plan?
A: The goal is to have eight of the state’s 12 universities ranked in the top 100 nationally by U.S. News & World Report by 2030.
Q: Which universities are currently ranked in the top 100?
A: Florida A&M University has been in the top 100 the past two years, landing at 81 on this year’s list.
Q: What factors are considered in the U.S. News & World Report rankings?
A: The rankings consider a range of factors, including student debt and financial resources per student, graduation rates, first-year student retention rates, graduate earnings, peer assessments, faculty salaries, and student-faculty ratios.
Q: Is the focus on U.S. News & World Report rankings controversial?
A: Yes, the focus on U.S. News & World Report rankings has drawn controversy in academic circles, with criticism focused on the criteria used by the online magazine and perceived campaigns by schools for higher rankings.
