The State University System of Florida is continuing its upward trajectory in the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report, which recognize the country’s best graduate schools.
The ranking, released today, is the latest accolade from the prestigious publication, which has named Florida the top state for higher education for the past two years. The improvement in the rankings comes a year after the passage of the Excellence in Higher Education Act, which created the University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program to promote quality and excellence in university professional schools and improve graduate study outcomes in high-impact fields of medicine, law, and business.
“Florida continues to receive national recognition for its success in higher education thanks in no small part to the commitment from our elected leaders,” said Ned Lautenbach, chair of the Board of Governors. “From performance funding and preeminence to the Excellence in Higher Education Act, it’s clear that what we’re doing in Florida is resulting in huge gains for students.”
Notable accolades include:
- University of Florida counts 28 programs ranked in the top 30 in their disciplines, up from 20 two years ago. Of note, included in the top 10 nationally are a total of seven programs and 17 in the top 20.
- A record 27 University of Central Florida programs rank in the top 100 in the country, including three programs that rank among the top 10.
- Seventeen University of South Florida graduate programs rank among the top 100 in the country, including seven in the top 50.
- Florida State University’s graduate programs in social work, public affairs and education all made significant jumps, with the College of Social Work soaring 11 places since 2016 to No. 20 among public universities. The Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy checked in at No. 25 among graduate public affairs programs, and its Local Government Management program rose to No. 7 among public universities. FSU’s College of Education vaulted seven spots to No. 39 and placed No. 28 among public universities.
- Florida International University has 11 programs ranked in the top 100 category among public universities, with eight in the top 50 including the No. 4 ranking among the best public international MBA programs.
- Florida Atlantic University is ranked 37 for Rehabilitation Counseling, boasts a top 50 Master’s Program in Nursing and its social work graduate programs entered into the top 100 in the nation.
- University of North Florida was ranked in the business, health specialties, public health and public affairs categories.
“The State University System continues to lead the country in educational quality, with measurable improvement in virtually every category — from student success to affordability,” said Marshall Criser, State University System chancellor. “I congratulate the institutions recognized by U.S. News & World Report and urge them to keep up the momentum.”
Facts about the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The system has 12 universities and more than 345,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the system’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the system’s chief executive. For more, visit flbog.edu, think-florida.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
