Florida A&M has been ranked number 74 of 258 schools on Washington Monthly’s 2010 college rankings list. Washington Monthly bases its rankings off three different categories social mobility, research and service.
WashingtonMonthly.com, when analyzing a university’s social mobility, looks at how much a school recruits and graduates low-income students. The research is decided by how many cutting-edge scholarships and Ph.d.s FAMU produces. Under the research how many faculty achievement awards are received, faculty in national academies and how many bachelor and Ph.d.s are given out is also a factor. The service is determined by how much a student is encouraged to give back to their country. That includes students who sign up for the Peace Corps, are ranked in the ROTC, those who participate in community service, and financial aid support.
FAMU is one of two Florida colleges ranked in the top 100 the other being the University of Florida at number 42.
This new achievement is another reason for FAMU students to celebrate. Jessica Thomas, 21, a fourth year theater education student from West Palm Beach said, “It is an accomplishment. FAMU is an outstanding university and I am proud of our ranking. Next time we will be fourth or even better and yes the recognition will help our university tremendously.”
FAMU ranked higher than universities such as Purdue and Emory, and fell short behind Howard and Columbia. FAMU was one of few HBCU’s ranked in the top 75 on Washington Monthly 2010 college rankings.
Charles Alston-Wailes, 20, a third year Business management student from New Castle, Delaware said, “Its a great thing, it shows that as a University we are making strides in the direction after the issues we had in our past.”
If you would like to view more information on FAMU’s ranking, as well as the rest of the universities, visit Washington Monthly at washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/rankings_2010/national_university_rank.php