University falls in Florida university rankings, faces budget cuts
The drop resulted in a $6 million loss in state funding.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia commons.
July 5, 2017
For the second time in a month, FAU is facing millions in state budget cuts.
The university is now ranked seventh out of the twelve public universities that are part of the State University System of Florida. Last year, FAU came in first.
Because of the drop, FAU received $19 million in state funding, losing $6 million from last year’s $25 million for finishing first.
The State University System of Florida, run by the Board of Governors, determined the universities’ performance-based rankings. It announced its annual results for 2017-18 on June 22, according to the Sun Sentinel.
The ranking system looks at graduation rates, tuition costs, how many graduates are employed full time and academic performances. The Board of Governors then rewards schools accordingly on a point system out of 100.
FAU finished the year off with 72 out of 100 points while the University of Florida took the top spot with 95 points and a $55 million allocation. The University of North Florida finished at the bottom with 58 points and $0 allocated to the school.
On June 12, $5 million in state funding was cut from the university as part of Governor Rick Scott’s budget cuts.
These cuts could affect the school in terms of tuition and program funding.
The University Press reached out to FAU’s vice president for public affairs, Peter Hull, for comment on how this year’s allocation will be used but has not heard back as of publication time. Specifically, how many new faculty/academic advisers will be hired, which internship programs will receive support and what kind of undergraduate research opportunities will be funded.
Back in 2012, the school announced that it was hit with a $24.7 million cut from the state.
This forced the closure of the Treasure Coast Campus in Port St. Lucie and raised tuition by 15 percent in June of that year. Students attending the campus at the time were relocated to the Jupiter and Boca campuses and the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce.
Nate Nkumbu is a staff writer for the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him @FoureyedNate.
Matthew • Jul 27, 2017 at 2:14 pm
In response to “Julliette Louis”, where in the US constitution does it state that US citizens get free education? Also, nobody is forcing you to attend the Florida university system. There are many local/technical colleges that offer great programs for a Bachelor’s degree at a cheaper tutition vs 1 semester (full-time) at FAU. They also offer classes that end with certifications in various career fields.
Regarding the article topic: Yes, it is disappointing that FAU lost its ranking but that just allows the administration to keep on improving FAU as a school. The drop in funding may also allow FAU administrators to condense the budget to eliminate any frivolous spending.
Juliette D. Louis • Jul 6, 2017 at 10:59 pm
It is unconstitutional to take away from my right to a free education as a United States citizen. I have thrived to pursue my goals and become a pillar for those who are unable and now to hear budget cuts can affect tuition? Why should I be forced into taking out student loans? Keep in mind I’m seeking my bachelor’s degree and by the time I reach to pursue my masters, due to the debts I would have acquire prior I may have to decline furthering the one thing that mattered the most ” higher education goal”.
Juliette D. Louis • Jul 6, 2017 at 10:54 pm
Good Evening, I am a transfer student at F.A.U. as I look forward into building my credentials at this university. I am concerned if and how the budget cut will affect me in my field of social work. As social work is a high demand job, the state or school board of education should thoroughly analyze where these budgets cuts should be made from. Perhaps school transportation, student parking decal, ID etc. Little miscellaneous things as such to forfeit having to cut funds from my education along with others.