Florida College System Leads National Rankings

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

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Florida College System Leads National Rankings

- Florida ranks among top associate degree producers -

Tallahassee, Fla., June 25, 2013 - For the eleventh year in a row, the Florida College System (FCS) ranks among the top associate degree producers in the nation according to Community College Week. Florida, which ranks fourth in population, awarded more associate degrees and one-year certificates than the larger states of Texas and New York.

"The Florida College System is proud to serve as the primary access point to higher education for nearly a million Floridians," said FCS Chancellor Randy Hanna. "These findings build upon our access mission by highlighting the success of our students. I commend all colleges on this accomplishment."

Community College Week's Top 100 Associate Degree Producers report identifies Florida as a leader in a range of categories using data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Highlights of the 2013 report include:

• Seventeen Florida colleges are among the top 100 producers of associate degrees. Broward College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Miami Dade College and Valencia College are in the top 10;
• " Eighteen Florida colleges are among the top 100 producers of associate in arts degrees. Broward College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Hillsborough Community College, Miami Dade College, Palm Beach State College, St Petersburg College, Tallahassee Community College and Valencia College are in the top 10. Tallahassee Community College was number one for two-year colleges and Miami Dade College was number one for four-year colleges;
• Fifteen Florida colleges are ranked in the number of associate degrees awarded to African American students. Broward College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Miami Dade College and Valencia College are in the top 10;
• Ten Florida colleges are ranked in the number of associate degrees awarded to Hispanic students. Broward College, Miami Dade College and Valencia College are in the top 10;
• Eight Florida colleges are ranked for associate degrees awarded in the area of nursing. Broward College, Florida State College at Jacksonville and Miami Dade College are in the top 10;
• Six Florida colleges are ranked for associate degrees awarded in the area of health professions and related clinical sciences; and
• Nine Florida colleges are ranked for one-year certificate production in all disciplines.

"With an array of programs and services, the Florida College System's 28 institutions serve individuals, communities and the state with low-cost, high-quality education and job training," said Chancellor Hanna. "I am extremely proud of all colleges for their commitment to providing meaningful credentials for our students that help them get jobs."

For more information and to view the rankings, visit Community College Week's Top Associate Degree Producers Report, 2013.