The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education have announced their joint inaugural rankings of U.S. colleges and universities, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) was named among the best institutions in the nation for student experience.
Florida A&M's Emphasis on Student Experience
A testament to the University’s laser focus on the student experience, FAMU was graded highest in engagement with a score of 82.5. The engagement category included survey results based on student recommendations, student interaction and classroom subject breadth.
Comparing the universities and colleges in categories such as resources, engagement, outcomes, and environment, the list ranked 1,061 institutions, and FAMU made a strong showing in the top 500 nationally and top 150 in the South.
The rankings were calculated using results compiled from the past four years.
For more information about The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education annual rankings visit: www.wsj.com/graphics/college-rankings-2016/
According to Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., this achievement is underscored by another recent ranking the University received from SmartAsset, which named FAMU as the No. 2 best value college in Florida.
“These recognitions highlight the emphasis FAMU faculty and staff have placed on providing our students with a high-quality education and the best learning environment possible as they reach toward fulfilling their goals and dreams,” Robinson said.
Best return on investment for students
SmartAsset is a New York-based financial technology company. Its 2016 study to determine which colleges and schools offer the best return on investment for students considered tuition, student retention rates, the average dollar amount of scholarships and grants, average student living costs, and the average starting salary upon graduation.
The study revealed that FAMU students are paying less to live on campus than the previous year, and graduates can expect to earn more with an increase in average starting salary rates.
William Hudson Jr., Ph.D., FAMU’s vice president for Student Affairs, said FAMU students get a better return on their investment because of the University’s focus on the overall student experience.
“FAMU prepares students for the global economy through study abroad initiatives, innovative and hands-on experiential learning opportunities, intrusive counseling and support services, and accessibility to internships with Fortune 500 companies,” Hudson said.
Source: Florida A&M University
