Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida Report Card Shows Increases in Enrollment and Student Diversity

Contact: Jennifer Fennell
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jennifer@coremessage.com

– IN CASE YOU MISSED IT –

INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OF FLORIDA REPORT CARD
SHOWS INCREASES IN ENROLLMENT AND STUDENT DIVERSITY

Tallahassee, Fla. – The 2011-12 Accountability Report recently released by Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) shows students are earning more degrees on time and ICUF institutions continue to attract talent from around the globe.

“I am pleased this year’s ICUF report card reflects the diligent work of our excellent independent colleges and universities,” said Dr. Ed Moore, President of ICUF. “Total program enrollment is up 13 percent over last year; however, we are seeing a drop in Florida resident students eligible for the Florida Resident Access Grant, which puts a spotlight on the 29 percent reduction in the grant amount over several years. Florida’s institutions continue to ensure students are well prepared to join the workforce and be successful in life. We are also playing a significant role in training the next generation of science and technology professionals – areas in which our state has a critical need.”

Highlights of the 2011-12 ICUF Accountability Report include:

· Meeting the needs of Florida’s workforce: Almost 74 percent of the degrees granted by ICUF institutions were in the critical need areas of STEM, education, business, or health-related professions.
· Awarding degrees that result in jobs: ICUF institutions awarded 53 percent of professional degrees in Florida (e.g., medicine, dentistry, law), and 38 percent of all degrees in computer sciences and information technology in Florida.
· Diverse student population: Overall, 41 percent of students attending ICUF institutions represent racial/ethnic minorities.
· Smaller classes where students thrive: Ninety percent of fall 2011 undergraduate classes at ICUF institutions had fewer than 30 students, and 97 percent of classes contained fewer than 40 students.

· Access leads to success for minority students: ICUF institutions graduated a significantly higher portion of Florida’s minority students – 43 percent of all degrees awarded were to Florida residents from minority groups, 6 percent higher than the State University System (37 percent).

The report is attached and available online: http://www.icuf.org/newdevelopment/publications/icuf-accountability-report/.

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