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.
Key Student Completion Indicator
The University uses IPEDS Graduation Rate as the key student completion indicator to evaluate student success. The following table provides data for 6-year graduation rates.
Table 1. Full-time, First-Time-in-College (FTIC) Six-Year Graduation Rates
|
Six-Year Graduation Rates |
2013-19 |
2014-20 |
2015-21 |
|||
|
N |
% |
N |
% |
N |
% |
|
|
Cohort 6-Yr Graduation Rate |
1,221 |
52.6% |
1,329 |
55.2% |
1,546 |
55.4% |
|
6-Yr Graduation Rate Goal |
51% |
55% |
57% |
|||
|
Disaggregated by Pell Status |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recipients of a Pell Grant |
847 |
51.8% |
937 |
53.8% |
1,099 |
52.7% |
|
Recipients of a Direct Subsidized Loan that did not receive a Pell Grant |
131 |
48.9% |
135 |
56.3% |
146 |
63.0% |
|
Did not receive either a Pell Grant or Direct Subsidized Loan |
243 |
57.2% |
257 |
59.9% |
301 |
61.5% |
|
Disaggregated by Gender |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Male |
450 |
41.3% |
499 |
43.1% |
519 |
45.3% |
|
Female |
771 |
59.1% |
830 |
62.5% |
1,027 |
60.5% |
|
Disaggregated by Race/Ethnicity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonresident alien |
2 |
0.0% |
2 |
100.0% |
6 |
33.3% |
|
Hispanic/Latino |
14 |
50.0% |
18 |
22.2% |
36 |
50.0% |
|
American Indian or Alaska Native |
2 |
100.0% |
0 |
0.0% |
0 |
0.0% |
|
Asian |
6 |
50.0% |
4 |
100.0% |
2 |
100.0% |
|
Black or African American |
1,161 |
53.2% |
1,268 |
56.2% |
1,323 |
55.6% |
|
White |
31 |
29.0% |
31 |
32.3% |
31 |
38.7% |
|
Two or more races |
5 |
60.0% |
6 |
16.7% |
148 |
58.8% |
Source: 2022 Accountability Plan; IPEDS
Retention and Progression Rates
The University uses retention, progression, and graduation rates to evaluate student success. This information is reported annually in the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) Annual Accountability Report. The following tables provide data for 1st to 2nd-year retention rates and academic progress rates, and 4-year graduation rates of first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students.
Table 2. 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 |
|
2016-17 |
82.6% |
84% |
|
2017-18 |
79.2% |
84% |
|
2018-19 |
79.9% |
86% |
|
2019-20 |
86.1% |
88% |
|
2020-21 |
89.1% |
90% |
Source: 2022 FAMU Accountability Plan
Table 3. 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 |
|
2016-17 |
70.0% |
77% |
|
2017-18 |
71.3% |
80% |
|
2018-19 |
73.0% |
85% |
|
2019-20 |
82.2% |
86% |
|
2020-21 |
84.2% |
88% |
Source: 2022 FAMU Accountability Plan
Table 4. Four-Year Graduation Rates: Full-time, First-Time-in-College (FTIC) Graduation Rates
|
Term of Entry |
Graduation Rate |
Goal |
|
2013-17 |
21.6% |
20% |
|
2014-18 |
22.5% |
25% |
|
2015-19 |
27.7% |
30% |
|
2016-20 |
34.6% |
35% |
|
2017-21 |
27.0% |
38% |
Source: 2022 FAMU Accountability Plan
Licensure Pass Rates
The University uses licensure pass rates to evaluate student success. Table 4 below reports the pass rates of examinees for the respective licensure examination programs.
Table 5. Professional Licensure/Certification Exams
|
Nursing (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) |
Year |
First-time Pass Rate |
Goal |
|
2017 |
64% |
74% |
|
|
2018 |
82% |
73% |
|
|
2019 |
63% |
71% |
|
|
2020 |
67% |
68% |
|
|
2021 |
62% |
51% |
|
|
Law (Florida Bar Exam) |
Year |
First-time Pass Rate |
Goal |
|
2017 |
50% |
69% |
|
|
2018 |
47% |
66% |
|
|
2019 |
57% |
74% |
|
|
2020 |
58% |
69% |
|
|
2021 |
59% |
70% |
|
|
Pharmacy (North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam) |
Year |
First-time Pass Rate |
Goal |
|
2017 |
74% |
83% |
|
|
2018 |
75% |
83% |
|
|
2019 |
83% |
81% |
|
|
2020 |
83% |
81% |
|
|
2021 |
90% |
85% |
|
|
Physical Therapy (National Physical Therapy Examinations Multi-Year) |
Year |
Ultimate Pass Rate |
Goal |
|
2015-17 |
77% |
91% |
|
|
2016-18 |
92% |
93% |
|
|
2017-19 |
96% |
93% |
|
|
2018-20 |
91% |
91% |
|
|
2019-21 |
86% |
100% |
|
|
Occupational Therapy (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Exam) |
Year |
First-time Pass Rate |
Goal |
|
2017 |
100% |
NA |
|
|
2018 |
87% |
NA |
|
|
2019 |
71% |
NA |
|
|
2020 |
79% |
NA |
|
|
2021 |
95% |
NA |
|
|
Cardiopulmonary Sciences (National Board for Respiratory Care) |
Year |
Overall Pass Rate |
Goal |
|
2017 |
100% |
81% |
|
|
2018 |
100% |
81% |
|
|
2019 |
91% |
79% |
|
|
2020 |
100% |
100% |
|
|
2021 |
100% |
88% |
2022 Accountability Plan; Academic Affairs
Position in National Ranking of Number of Degrees Awarded to African Americans
The University uses its position in national rankings of degrees awarded to African-Americans to evaluate student success. Florida A&M University continues to remain one of the top producers of African American students earning baccalaureate degrees. According to the most recent Diverse Issues Top 100 Degree Producers, 2021, FAMU is ranked as one of the top 10 producers of African American graduates at the baccalaureate level for the majors listed below in Table 6.
Table 6. Diverse Issues Top 10 FAMU Baccalaureate Degree Producing Majors
|
Rank |
Baccalaureate Degree Program |
|
1 |
Architecture and Related Services |
|
3 |
Health Professions and Related Programs |
|
5 |
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies |
|
6 |
Natural Resources and Conservation |
|
8 |
Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Services |
|
8 |
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services |
|
10 |
Public Administration and Social Services Professions |
|
10 |
Visual and Performing Arts |
2021 Diverse Issues, Top 100 Degree Producers Rankings (2019-20 Data)
According to Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Top 100 Producers, 2021, FAMU is ranked as one of the top 10 producers of African American graduates at the master’s level in the nation for the majors listed below in Table 7.
Table 7. Diverse Issues FAMU Top 10 Master’s Degree Producing Majors
|
Rank |
Master’s Degree Major |
|
5 |
Social Sciences |
|
9 |
Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Services |
2021 Diverse Issues, Top 100 Degree Producers Rankings (2019-20 Data)
For professional degrees, FAMU ranked #1 as a producer of professional doctoral degrees awarded to African Americans in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. FAMU ranked #3 in the nation for all professional disciplines combined. FAMU also ranked #2 in degrees awarded to African Americans in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. For Law, FAMU ranked #3 in the nation by Diverse Issues in the production of African American graduates earning a first professional degree below in Table 8.
Table 8. Diverse Issues FAMU Top Ten (10) Professional Doctoral Degree Producing Majors
|
Rank |
Professional Doctoral Degree Major |
|
1 |
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration |
|
2 |
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions |
|
3 |
All Disciplines Combined |
|
3 |
Law |
2021 Diverse Issues, Top 100 Degree Producers Rankings (2019-20 Data)
According to Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Top 100 Producers, 2021, FAMU ranked as one of the top 10 producers of African American graduates at the Doctor’s-Research/scholarship level in the nation for the majors listed below in Table 9.
Table 9. Diverse Issues FAMU Top Ten (10) Doctor’s Research Degree Producing Majors
|
Rank |
Doctor’s Research Degree Major |
|
1 |
Engineering |
|
2 |
Public Health |
2021 Diverse Issues, Top 100 Degree Producers Rankings (2019-20 Data)
Table 10, below reports the Top 20 institutions in the nation that awarded baccalaureate degrees to African-Americans in 2019-20.
Table 10. National Ranking of Baccalaureate Degrees Awarded to African-Americans in 2019-20
|
Rank |
Institution |
Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded to African Americans |
|
1 |
University of Phoenix-Arizona |
2,417 |
|
2 |
Georgia State University |
2,052 |
|
3 |
Ashford University University |
1,961 |
|
4 |
Grand Canyon University |
1,746 |
|
5 |
University of Maryland Global Campus |
1,675 |
|
6 |
Western Governors University |
1,615 |
|
7 |
University of Central Florida |
1,556 |
|
8 |
North Carolina A & T State University |
1,544 |
|
9 |
Southern New Hampshire University |
1,384 |
|
10 |
Florida International University |
1,370 |
|
11 |
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University |
1,355 |
|
12 |
Florida Atlantic University |
1,172 |
|
13 |
The University of Texas at Arlington |
1,164 |
|
14 |
Kennesaw State University |
1,142 |
|
15 |
Chamberlain University - Illinois |
1,098 |
|
16 |
University of South Florida-Main Campus |
1,033 |
|
17 |
Georgia Southern University |
1,006 |
|
18 |
Old Dominion University |
987 |
|
19 |
University of North Texas |
979 |
|
20 |
University of Memphis |
968 |
|
20 |
Prairie View A&M University |
968 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS, AY 2019-20 Data
National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)
The University uses the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) to evaluate student success. The NSSE instrument is another measure FAMU uses determine whether its graduates are prepared for the workforce. The results of the 2020 NSSE administration at FAMU demonstrate that students are generally satisfied with the various aspects of their college experience. A pertinent question on the NSSE asks students, "How much has your experience at this institution contributed to your knowledge, skills, and personal development in the following areas: Acquiring job or work-related knowledge and skills." Results of the 2020 NSSE indicate that the Percentage of Seniors Responding “Very much” or “Quite a bit” was 73%, a 2% decrease over the 2017 administration.
FAMU Exit Survey
The University uses the FAMU Exit Survey to evaluate student success. The FAMU Exit Survey is used by the University to gather information on the college experience and the long-term impact to students. The exit survey is designed to provide information about graduating students on both undergraduate and graduate levels by soliciting feedback regarding their experiences at FAMU and their future plans. Ninety-six percent (96.5%) of the respondents in 2019-2020 agreed that they had obtained a sense of competence in their major and 97.5% agreed that they had acquired the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical situation. Furthermore, seventy-seven (77.7%) percent of graduates had already accepted a job offer or were confident in finding employment related to their major.
Post-Graduation Data
Table 11 below reports the percent of recent baccalaureate graduates who are either employed full-time or continuing their education within one year after graduation. (Note: The data is based on the percent found employed or enrolled available from the Florida Education and Training Placement Information Program (FETPIP), Wage Record Interchange System 2 (known as “WRIS 2”) and Federal employee and military data that is available from the Federal Employment Data Exchange System (FEDES) initiative).
Table 11. Post-Graduation Metrics: Percent of Bachelor's Graduates Enrolled or Employed (Earning at least $30,000) One Year After Graduation
|
Academic Year |
Percent Found Employed or Enrolled |
Goal |
|
2017-18 |
57.9% |
60% |
|
2018-19 |
61.9% |
62% |
|
2019-20 |
62.5% |
65% |
Source: 2022 Accountability Plan, Board of Governors Report