FAMU, FSU make gains in national rankings

Special to the Outlook

Florida A&M University solidified its standing as the highest-ranked public Historically Black College or University for the third consecutive year as the university moved up 13 places to reach 104 in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Ranking of Top National Public Universities.  

FAMU was at 117 in the 2021 ranking of National Public Universities.  

In another major move forward, FAMU was ranked 13th on the Social Mobility Index, which attests to the university’s ability to transform the economic trajectory of its alumni and their families.   

“Moving up 13 places is a testament to our focus on student success and the dedication of our faculty, staff and students to the tenets of our strategic plan, FAMU Rising,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson.  “Our intentionality and teamwork allow us to focus acutely on opportunities and more effectively address challenges.”    

Meanwhile, Florida State University continued its run as a Top 20 national public university and was also recognized as one of the country’s best values in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.

FSU reaffirmed its place in the Top 20 among public universities for the third consecutive year, retaining its No. 19 spot. The university also climbed three spots to No. 55 among all national universities, both public and private. The rankings appear in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2022” guidebook. 

“As a Top 20 public university, our continued upward trajectory in the overall rankings of all universities is gratifying and encouraging,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “These rankings solidify our position as a top university, and in many ways, we lead the nation when it comes to student success. Florida State has a fantastic academic reputation and that will contine to rise as people see all the gains the university has made over the past five years.”

Improving its ranking has long been a goal at FAMU. Under the university’s five-year strategic plan from 2017-2022, it has focused on student success outcomes, most notably in improved retention and six-year graduation rates, faculty research, top-class infrastructure, customer service excellence and other key areas.  

FAMU is ranked seventh among HBCUs, behind private institutions Spelman College, Howard University, Xavier University, Hampton University, Morehouse College and Tuskegee University.  

Among the other highlights of the eagerly awaited and closely watched annual survey, FAMU moved up seven places to be ranked No. 13 in the U.S. News & World Report Social Mobility Index, a reflection of the six-year graduation rate of Pell grant eligible students.  

President Robinson views the Social Mobility Index as the truest indicator of FAMU’s ability to alter the economic trajectory of individuals and families for generations.  FAMU ranks second among State University System institutions for social mobility behind Florida International University, which is ranked sixth. 

“I am especially excited by our rise in the Social Mobility Index ranking because it reflects our 133-year commitment to transforming the lives of students regardless of their socioeconomic status or whether they are among the first in their family to attend college or are from a long line of Rattlers,” Robinson said.  “At FAMU, our faculty and staff recognize the promise in every student and understand society’s need for the contributions of our graduates.”  

During the last year, breaking into the top 100 National Public Universities or “marching to the top 100” has been a priority for FAMU. It was the theme of a faculty and staff retreat this summer when Robinson and other administrators stressed the need to improve since competing schools were not standing still.  

“The rise in our rankings illustrates what we can do with a focused plan and improved investment, both of which are critical to our success. It is a statement about a joint effort between our Board and the President to establish and stick with key priorities,” FAMU Board of Trustees Chairman Kelvin Lawson said. “We want to continue to push the envelope and focus on ongoing improvement in our operating model as we continue our march to the top 100 colleges and universities in the nation.”