The Florida Board of Governors today recommended that the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ receive $2.6 million in additional funding for its performance meeting new statewide priorities.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ ranked first, along with the University of South Florida, among the state’s public universities. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is the largest university in the state, and USF is among the largest.

The Board based the additional funding on how state universities performed in three areas:

  • The percentage of students who earn a bachelor’s degree and then either have a job or are continuing their education one year after graduation.
  • The median average full-time wages of graduates employed in Florida one year after graduation.
  • The average cost to the institution of educating an undergraduate.

    • β€œThe objective criteria set by the Board of Governors show that large universities can produce great results for students and the state economy,” said ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ spokesperson Grant Heston. β€œWe will continue to ensure students receive an outstanding education that prepares them well for their careers and lives after graduation.”

    The Princeton Review and Kiplinger magazine rank a ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ education as one of the best academic buys in the nation. Data show that the percentage of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students who graduate with debt, and their debt load, are below national averages.

    ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is also productive and efficient. In 2012-13, the university awarded more than 15,000 degrees, more than any other state institution. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ did so while spending nearly 40 percent less than the state average on administrative costs.