Florida State announces plan to continue its rise in national rankings to the Top 25 U.S. public universities

Plan is endorsed by group representing 300,000 FSU alumni

TALLAHASSEE, FL. – Florida State University is well positioned to continue its preeminent rise in independent national rankings with the development of a comprehensive plan to move into the Top 25 of public universities in the nation.  The plan has been endorsed by the Florida State National Alumni Association Board, which represents 300,000 Florida State alumni worldwide.

Florida State is currently listed 42nd among public universities by U.S. News & World Report, while also being recognized at the top of their list of the most efficient universities in delivering quality.

The plan for continuing Florida State’s rise into the Top 25 of public universities calls for targeted investments in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses and programs and a comprehensive focus on entrepreneurial educational initiatives.  These initiatives are intended to position the university as a preeminent national leader in student career readiness and job placement.

Costs associated with implementing this comprehensive plan amount to approximately $15 million a year over the next five years.

“The goal of moving Florida State into the Top 25 ranking among the nation’s premier public universities is a realistic one considering our current position in the Top 50, and our steady rise over the years in educational quality and value for the dollar as recognized by independent evaluators,” said Florida State President Eric J. Barron.  “I have no doubt Florida State can get there within a fairly short period of time, because of the momentum the university has already experienced in recent years and a realistic plan for getting us there.”

In endorsing the plan over the weekend, the Florida State Alumni Association is urging “the state’s elected leaders to provide financial resources needed to attain this worthy objective.” 

“The Florida State Alumni Association commissioned a scientific survey of its graduates that revealed maintaining the value of their Florida State degree as their highest priority,” said Scott F. Atwell, President & CEO of the group. “There are few better ways of enhancing the value of Florida State degrees already earned as well as those yet to be awarded than to increase the national ranking of the university.”

Revenues allocated for Florida State to reach the Top 25 position are not expected to impact the university’s high ranking as one of the nation’s most efficient schools in delivering quality education.

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