Century Tower serves as a guiding star on the University of Florida campus, framed with the campus’s characteristic Spanish-Moss-lined trees and blooming flowers.
(Photo source: State University System of Florida, 2020)
The University of Florida has been named the sixth-best public university in the United States in the latest 2021 U.S. News & World Report released September 14, 2020. UF shares its spot in a tie with the University of California -- Santa Barbara. With this announcement, UF is nearing its long-held goal of becoming a top-five public institution.
“By nearly every measure, UF is continuing to make gains,” UF President Kent Fuchs said in a press release from the university. “We have momentum, focus and hard work on our side, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this university,” Fuchs adds.
U.S. News and World Report determines the Best Colleges rankings through a framework of key performance measures . Top ranking factors include graduation and retention rates, undergraduate academic reputation, faculty resources, financial resources per student, student selectivity and alumni giving.
A multitude of characteristics at play moved the university to top-six status. From the perspective of a proud student, UF’s strengths include the wide opportunities offered, such as research and immersion experiences. As a communication student, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in live news and television production at the university’s Innovation News Center. This experience, uniquely offered at UF, has helped prepare me for internships and future career goals.
UF’s success is also attributed to its reduced student/faculty ratio of 17:1, down from a ratio of 21:1 four years ago. I have noticed smaller class sizes at the university this semester, allowing me to maintain close contact with my professors despite the virtual learning format. The university’s continuing success through times of adversity demonstrates the tenacity and character of the institution, contributing to its growth.
The university’s rising rankings foster a sense of pride and camaraderie for students. The institution challenges students to rise to the demanding, yet fulfilling curriculum offered with vigor and curiosity. The top-six ranking is indicative of the strength of the university’s curriculum, and thus the tenacity of its students.
Students are not overlooking the benefits of graduating from a highly ranked institution when it comes to career success. Navigating the job market is a daunting task for many graduates, and the added credibility and distinction from a highly ranked university degree can offer a critical helping hand in landing an interview or job.
As the university sets its sights on a top-five ranking, leaders and students examine what actions can get UF there.
UF’s rankings may improve as the university creates more loyal, fulfilled and successful graduates yearning to give back to the school. Alumni giving is a significant element in U.S. News and World Report’s rankings, so amplifying this statistic can be effective in boosting UF’s position. Further, expanding academic, financial and health support services for students may improve the university’s graduation and retention rates and social mobility rankings.
The university remains enthusiastic about its future and potential for growth, as internal improvements continue to drive UF to the top of the national rankings.
— Valeriya Antonshchuk (October 24, 2020)