Student Achievement
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, professional, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of FAMU may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
The SACSCOC Policy on Institutional Obligations for Public Disclosure requires that member institutions publish “statements of its goals for student achievement and the success of students in achieving those goals.” FAMU uses several measures to evaluate student achievement and success in accordance with the University’s mission and the students it serves.
Specific University measures for student achievement include the following:
- Improvement of retention and graduation rates.
- Being among the nation’s leaders in the number of degrees granted to African-Americans, an important constituency group at the University.
- Having examination/certification exam pass rates for FAMU graduates greater than the overall national/state pass rates.
- Having job placement rates greater than the average of other State University System of Florida institutions.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is an 1890 land grant, doctoral/research institution devoted to student success at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional levels. FAMU enhances the lives of its constituents and empowers communities through innovative teaching, research, scholarship, partnerships, and public service. The University continues its rich legacy and historic mission of educating African Americans and embraces all dimensions of diversity.
Strategic Plan Goals Related to Student Achievement
Strategic Priority 1: Student Success
- Goal 1: Elevate Student Success Outcomes (Retention, Graduation Rates, Licensure Pass Rates, etc.) to the High Excellence Range among state and national scales.
- Goal 2: Establish FAMU as the 1st Choice Destination among scholars.
- Goal 3: Reimagine and align academic offerings to address emerging workforce demands and increase degree production in programs of strategic emphasis.
Strategic Priority 2: Academic Excellence
- Goal 4: Amplify discovery and innovation to solve complex real-world problems.
To evaluate student achievement, FAMU uses retention rates, graduation rates, degree productivity among African Americans, job placement rates, and pass rates on licensure and certification exams, which are appropriate given the mission.
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FAMU’s Student Achievement Measures Relevant to Students Served and Programs Offered and their Alignment with the Mission |
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Student Achievement Measures Relevant to Students Served and Programs Offered |
Mission Alignment |
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I |
Retention and Graduation Rates, comparable to national student achievement measures, peer institutions (SUS and HBCUs) |
“Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is an 1890 land grant, doctoral/research institution devoted to student success at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional levels…The University continues its rich legacy and historic mission of educating African Americans and embraces all dimensions of diversity.” |
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II |
Being among the nation’s leaders in the number of degrees granted to African Americans, an important constituent group at the University per FAMU’s historic mission |
“… The University continues its rich legacy and historic mission of educating African Americans and embraces all dimensions of diversity.” For this indicator, the university’s focus is on degree productivity to increase diversity in the workforce, particularly in disciplines where minorities are traditionally underrepresented. |
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III |
Job placement rates, comparable to the average of others in the State University System (SUS) of Florida, which FAMU is a member |
“Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is an 1890 land grant, doctoral/research institution devoted to student success at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional levels…” |
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IV |
Licensure/Certification examination pass rates for FAMU graduates, equal to or greater than the overall national/state pass rates, but no less than required by the appropriate specialized accrediting agency |
“Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is an 1890 land grant, doctoral/research institution devoted to student success at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional levels…” |
Key Student Completion Indicator
Table 1. Full-time, First-Time-in-College (FTIC) Six-Year Graduation Rates
| Cohort Year |
Threshold of Acceptability |
Actual |
Target |
|
2013-14 |
- |
53% |
- |
|
2014-15 |
- |
55% |
- |
|
2015-16 |
50% |
55% |
55% |
|
2016-17 |
53% |
60% |
58% |
|
2017-18 |
55% |
51% |
63% |
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is committed to serving a diverse student population and ensuring their academic success. To measure and improve student outcomes, FAMU disaggregates its 6-year graduation rates by race, gender, Pell Grant status, and other relevant categories, such as Opportunity and Access Admits, based on the types of students served and in accordance with its mission and 2022-2027 strategic plan, Boldy Striking. By analyzing the data, FAMU can identify and address gaps or disparities in student achievement and provide targeted support and interventions.
Table 2. 6-year Graduation Rate by Demographic
| 6-Year Graduation Rate |
2013-14 |
2014-15 |
2015-16 |
2016-17 |
2017-18 |
|
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
|
Cohort 6-Yr Graduation Rate |
53% |
55% |
55% |
60% |
51% |
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Disaggregated by Gender |
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Female |
59% |
62% |
60% |
65% |
57% |
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Male |
42% |
42% |
45% |
51% |
42% |
|
Disaggregated by Race |
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|
Hispanic |
50% |
22% |
50% |
46% |
47% |
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American Indian |
100% |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Asian |
50% |
100% |
100% |
50% |
33% |
|
Black |
53% |
56% |
55% |
60% |
53% |
|
White |
30% |
32% |
42% |
52% |
24% |
|
Two or more races |
60% |
17% |
58% |
65% |
48% |
|
Non-Resident Alien |
- |
100% |
33% |
83% |
11% |
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Disaggregated by Residency Classification |
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In-State |
53% |
54% |
55% |
59% |
51% |
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Out-of-State |
50% |
61% |
56% |
61% |
56% |
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Disaggregated by Pell Status |
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Recipients of a Pell Grant |
52% |
54% |
52% |
58% |
50% |
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Non-Pell Grant Recipients |
55% |
58% |
61% |
62% |
55% |
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Opportunity Admits |
45% |
47% |
42% |
48% |
40% |
|
Regular Admits |
57% |
60% |
60% |
63% |
55% |
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Data Sources: State RET cohort year 2013-14 to 2017-18 data files and SFA data files |
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Retention and Progression Rates
Table 3. Retention Rates 1st to 2nd Year: Full-time, First-Time-in-College (FTIC) Retention Rates - Retained in the Second Fall Term at Same University
| Term of Entry |
Retention Rate |
Goal |
Threshold of Acceptability |
|
2016-17 |
83% |
84% |
79% |
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2017-18 |
79% |
84% |
79% |
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2018-19 |
80% |
86% |
81% |
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2019-20 |
86% |
88% |
83% |
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2020-21 |
89% |
90% |
85% |
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2022-23 |
90% |
92% |
87% |
Source: 2022 FAMU Accountability Plan
Table 4. Academic Progress Rates 1st to 2nd Year: Full-time, First-Time-in-College (FTIC) Progress Rates - Retained in the Second Fall Term with a 2.0 or higher at Same University
| Term of Entry |
Progress Rate |
Goal |
Threshold of Acceptability |
|
2016-17 |
70% |
77% |
72% |
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2017-18 |
71% |
80% |
75% |
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2018-19 |
73% |
85% |
80% |
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2019-20 |
82% |
86% |
81% |
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2020-21 |
84% |
88% |
83% |
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2022-23 |
83% |
88% |
83% |
Source: 2023 FAMU Accountability Plan
Table 5. Four-Year Graduation Rates: Full-time, First-Time-in-College (FTIC) Graduation Rates
| Cohort Year |
Threshold of Acceptability |
Actual |
Target |
|
2014-18 |
20% |
23% |
25% |
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2015-19 |
25% |
28% |
30% |
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2016-20 |
30% |
35% |
35% |
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2017-21 |
33% |
27% |
38% |
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2018-22 |
35% |
28% |
40% |
Licensure Pass Rates
FAMU monitors the performance progress on licensure and certification exams for specific bachelor’s and professional programs requiring licensure to practice in the field. The threshold of acceptability is set at the minimum required by the specialized accrediting agency.
Table 6. Professional Licensure/Certification Exams
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Nursing (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) |
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Year |
First-time pass Rate |
Goal |
Threshold of Acceptability |
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2018 |
82% |
80% |
80% |
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2019 |
63% |
85% |
80% |
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2020 |
67% |
80% |
80% |
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2021 |
62% |
80% |
80% |
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2022 |
68% |
90% |
80% |
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2023 |
82% |
90% |
80% |
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Law (Florida Bar Exam) |
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Year |
First-time pass Rate |
Goal |
Threshold of Acceptability |
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2018 |
47% |
73% |
75% |
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2019 |
57% |
80% |
75% |
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2020 |
58% |
80% |
75% |
|
2021 |
59% |
80% |
75% |
|
2022 |
53% |
80% |
75% |
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2023 |
41% |
80% |
75% |
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Pharmacy (North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam) |
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Year |
First-time pass Rate |
Goal |
Threshold of Acceptability |
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2018 |
75% |
85% |
80% |
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2019 |
83% |
85% |
80% |
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2020 |
83% |
88% |
80% |
|
2021 |
90% |
88% |
80% |
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2022 |
85% |
90% |
80% |
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2023 |
92% |
80% |
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Physical Therapy (National Physical Therapy Exam) |
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Year |
First-time pass Rate |
Goal |
Threshold of Acceptability |
|
2016-18 |
92% |
93% |
85% |
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2017-19 |
96% |
93% |
85% |
|
2018-20 |
91% |
91% |
85% |
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2020-22 |
86% |
100% |
85% |
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2021-22 |
83% |
90% |
85% |
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National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Exam |
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Year |
First-time pass Rate |
Goal |
Threshold of Acceptability |
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2018 |
87% |
75% |
70% |
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2019 |
71% |
75% |
70% |
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2020 |
79% |
75% |
70% |
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2021 |
95% |
75% |
70% |
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2022 |
88% |
75% |
70% |
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Cardiopulmonary Sciences (National Board for Respiratory Care) |
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Year |
First-time pass Rate |
Goal |
Threshold of Acceptability |
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2018 |
100% |
81% |
60% |
|
2019 |
100% |
81% |
60% |
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2020 |
91% |
79% |
60% |
|
2021 |
100% |
100% |
60% |
|
2022 |
100% |
88%% |
60% |
|
2023 |
94% |
90% |
60% |
Position in National Ranking of Number of Degrees Awarded to African Americans
One of FAMU’s most significant contributions to both the state and national workforce is being a top producer of African American graduates, particularly in fields in which they are underrepresented. According to Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Top 100 Producers, 2023, FAMU is ranked as one of the top 20 producers of African American graduates at the baccalaureate level in several disciplines. FAMU remains a top producer of African American graduates at the baccalaureate level based on data published by the Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Top 100 Producers, 2023. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS also shows that FAMU ranks eleventh in the nation in baccalaureate degrees awarded to African American graduates. The goal for each of the metrics related to degree productivity is to increase trained graduates in diverse disciplines consistent with FAMU’s mission of student success at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional levels.
Table 7. Diverse Issues Top 20 FAMU Baccalaureate Degree Producing Majors
| Rank |
Discipline |
|
2 |
Architecture And Related Services |
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3 |
Health Professions and Related Programs |
|
4 |
Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, And Related Sciences |
|
9 |
Public Administration and Social Service Professions |
|
11 |
All Disciplines Combined |
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11 |
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies |
|
12 |
Mathematics And Statistics |
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12 |
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration |
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13 |
Psychology |
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15 |
Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields |
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17 |
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services |
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19 |
Biological And Biomedical Sciences |
|
20 |
Natural Resources and Conservation |
Table 8. Diverse Issues FAMU Top 20 Master’s Degree Producing Majors
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Rank |
Master’s Degree Producing Majors |
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1 |
Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, And Related Sciences |
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2 |
Social Sciences |
|
5 |
Architecture And Related Services |
|
10 |
Physical Sciences |
|
16 |
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions |
2023 Diverse Issues, Top 100 Degree Producers Rankings
Table 9. Diverse Issues FAMU Top Ten (10) Professional Doctoral Degree Producing Majors
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Rank |
Professional Doctoral Degree Major |
|
1 |
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration |
|
2 |
All Disciplines Combined |
|
4 |
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions |
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5 |
Legal Professions and Studies |
2023 Diverse Issues, Top 100 Degree Producers Rankings
Table 10. Diverse Issues FAMU Top Ten (10) Doctor’s Research Degree Producing Majors
|
Rank |
Doctor’s Research Degree Major |
|
2 |
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration |
|
4 |
Public Health |
|
10 |
Engineering |
2023 Diverse Issues, Top 100 Degree Producers Rankings
Table 10. National Ranking of Baccalaureate Degrees Awarded to African-Americans (2016 Cohort)
|
Rank |
Institution Name |
Graduation rate total cohort |
|
1 |
University of Central Florida |
76% |
|
2 |
Florida International University |
69% |
|
3 |
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University |
60% |
|
4 |
North Carolina A & T State University |
57% |
|
5 |
Georgia State University |
55% |
|
6 |
Western Governors University |
49% |
|
7 |
Grand Canyon University |
45% |
|
8 |
Southern New Hampshire University |
41% |
|
9 |
University of Maryland Global Campus |
19% |
|
10 |
University of Phoenix-Arizona |
18% |
Job Placements
The overall job placement rates for FAMU students provide further evidence that FAMU produces quality graduates. The primary means of tracking graduates beyond graduation is the Florida Education and Training Placement Information Program (FETPIP),
Table 11. Post-Graduation Metrics: Percent of Bachelor’s Graduates Enrolled or Employed (Earning at least $40,000 as of November 2022 and at least $30,000 before November 2022) One Year After Graduation
| Academic Year |
Percent Found Employed or Enrolled |
Goal |
Threshold of Acceptability |
|
2017-18 |
57.9% |
60% |
55% |
|
2017-18 |
61.9% |
62% |
57% |
|
2018-19 |
62.5% |
65% |
60% |
|
2019-20 |
60.1% |
80% |
75% |
|
2020-21 |
67.8% |
80% |
75% |
Source: 2023 Accountability Plan, Board of Governors Report