Here Are The Florida Universities Ranked By Most Successful Graduates
There are myriad ways Florida could judge the performance of its 11 state universities. This year, the Board of Governors focused on how each of the schools prepares graduates for the workforce, divvying up an extra $20 million in “performance funding” based on scores in three criteria: graduates’ employment, wages, and cost to educate. The grading isn’t without controversy, including that the data only tracks students employed in the state of Florida after graduation.
“We’re 11 miles from Alabama,” University of West Florida president Judy Bense told WUSF. “Thirty percent of our students are military related. That means we’re educating a great number of our students who can’t stay in Florida, and they’re getting good degrees and it’s helping their careers.”
Research universities like the University of Florida will also see their costs scores penalized because they are focused on STEM programs — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — that cost more to produce than other degree tracks.
Officials say they’re aware of the scoring issues, and will work to refine how schools are measured in order to take each one’s mission into account. In the meantime, check out which of our state universities tested best in 2013 and how much their bonus checks are worth.
Are you surprised by the results?
1. University of Central Florida (Tie)
Grads employed and/or continuing further education 1 year after graduation: 69 percent
Median average salary of undergraduates employed full-time in Florida one year after graduation: $33,428
Average cost per undergraduate to the institution: $20,281
Total score: 6
Performance bonus awarded: $2,608,696
1. University of South Florida (Tie)
Grads employed and/or continuing further education 1 year after graduation: 69 percent
Median average salary of undergraduates employed full-time in Florida one year after graduation: $33,466
Average cost per undergraduate to the institution: $23,276
Total score: 6
Performance bonus awarded: $2,608,696
2. Florida Gulf Coast University
Grads employed and/or continuing further education 1 year after graduation: 70 percent
Median average salary of undergraduates employed full-time in Florida one year after graduation: $32,996
Average cost per undergraduate to the institution: $29,792
Total score: 5
Performance bonus awarded: $2,173,913
3. Florida International University
Grads employed and/or continuing further education 1 year after graduation: 68 percent
Median average salary of undergraduates employed full-time in Florida one year after graduation: $35,264 (tops in the state)
Average cost per undergraduate to the institution: $26,791
Total score: 5
Performance bonus awarded: $2,173,913
4. Florida State University
Grads employed and/or continuing further education 1 year after graduation: 63 percent
Median average salary of undergraduates employed full-time in Florida one year after graduation: $30,396
Average cost per undergraduate to the institution: $24,902
Total score: 5
Performance bonus awarded: $2,173,913
5. University of North Florida
Grads employed and/or continuing further education 1 year after graduation: 71 percent
Median average salary of undergraduates employed full-time in Florida one year after graduation: $33,264
Average cost per undergraduate to the institution: $28,562
Total score: 5
Performance bonus awarded: $2,173,913
6. Florida Atlantic University
Grads employed and/or continuing further education 1 year after graduation: 69 percent
Median average salary of undergraduates employed full-time in Florida one year after graduation: $34,808
Average cost per undergraduate to the institution: $33,117
Total score: 4
Performance bonus awarded: $1,739,130
7. University of Florida
Grads employed and/or continuing further education 1 year after graduation: 63 percent
Median average salary of undergraduates employed full-time in Florida one year after graduation: $32,176
Average cost per undergraduate to the institution: $25,028
Total score: 4
Performance bonus awarded: $1,739,130
8. University of West Florida
Grads employed and/or continuing further education 1 year after graduation: 60 percent
Median average salary of undergraduates employed full-time in Florida one year after graduation: $30,688
Average cost per undergraduate to the institution: $30,679
Total score: 3
Performance bonus awarded: $1,304,348
9. Florida A&M University
Grads employed and/or continuing further education 1 year after graduation: 63 percent
Median average salary of undergraduates employed full-time in Florida one year after graduation: $28,864
Average cost per undergraduate to the institution: $37,071
Total score: 2
Performance bonus awarded: $869,565
10. New College of Florida
Grads employed and/or continuing further education 1 year after graduation: 49 percent
Median average salary of undergraduates employed full-time in Florida one year after graduation: $22,366
Average cost per undergraduate to the institution: $74,832
Total score: 1
Performance bonus awarded: $434,783
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