FAU Ranks No. 3 in Florida State University System

At its June meeting Wednesday, the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) released the 2021 State University System (SUS) Performance-Based Funding rankings. 

I am delighted to report that, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty and staff, FAU ranked No. 3 among the state universities. In doing so, we recorded our highest-ever score of 89 points from a possible 100. In 2016, FAU tied for the No. 1 spot with a score of 84 points.

FAU has consistently improved in the rankings since the performance-based model was introduced in 2014, when we were ranked second from bottom. This year’s high ranking, and our overall improvement, is due, in part, to the successful implementation of our strategic plan and a wide array of student success initiatives.

Also, and very importantly, the entire university community has embraced a culture of change that promotes timely degree completion. More students are graduating at a faster rate than at any time in the university’s history. The 4-year graduation rate has increased by more than 28 percent since 2014, and, this past year, we experienced the largest 1-year increase in graduation rate in the SUS over the past 5 years (10.1 percent). 

The BOG performance-based funding model rewards universities based on their performance on 10 metrics designed to acknowledge the unique mission of each university and establish a minimum acceptable level of performance on issues such as graduation and retention rates.

As such, it is important for FAU to place high in these rankings. I am extremely grateful for all your efforts, and I would especially like to thank our Provost, Bret Danilowicz, his staff, and our deans and pillar heads, for this wonderful achievement.