UWF ranks No. 3 among all Florida State University System institutions in Board of Governors’ performance metrics

The University of West Florida landed in the top three among all 12 Florida State University System institutions and top three in four metrics in the Florida Board of Governors’ 2024-25 performance-based funding model, earning some of its highest marks in University history. The results, announced at a Board of Governors’ meeting today, showed UWF earned a total of 91 out of 100 points, ranking third highest points along with Florida State University, trailing in points only to Florida International University and the University of Florida.

“Our top-three place in the Florida State University System is a remarkable achievement that reflects the relentless dedication of our students, faculty and staff,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. “At UWF, we continue to lead with purpose and deliver results that matter for our region and state. This ranking reinforces the University’s commitment to providing a high-quality, high-impact education that prepares students for successful careers and meaningful lives.”

80.1% of UWF bachelor’s graduates are employed or furthering their education one year after graduation. This is the highest percentage in University history and landed UWF at No. 2 in the Florida State University System for Metric 1 for the second consecutive year. The University’s high score is reflective of several factors.

The University has prioritized the integration of workforce preparation across all academic programs. Many of UWF’s programs are classified as programs of strategic emphasis, including those in STEM and health fields, as identified in Metric 6. A significant percentage of UWF students also participate in high impact practices such as internships, which are tracked in Metric 10. UWF’s strong ties in the community and the continued economic growth of Northwest Florida further support graduate employment.

“Our strong performance in Metric 1 speaks volumes about the value of an education from UWF,” said UWF Provost Dr. Jaromy Kuhl. “We are producing graduates who are not only well prepared, but in demand — whether they are entering the workforce or pursuing advanced degrees.”

UWF also excelled in Metric 4 which measures the four-year graduation rates of first-time-in-college students. UWF earned 10 improvement points for the University’s significant improvement, increasing more than 5% from last year, with a 53.7% graduation rate. This is the highest rate in University history and the first time UWF has achieved over 50%.

UWF ranked No. 3 in Metrics 2, 7 and 8. Metric 2 measures median average full-time wages of undergraduates employed in Florida one year after graduation, Metric 7 evaluates university access rate and Metric 8 looks at graduate degrees awarded in specific areas of strategic emphasis.

“Congratulations, University of West Florida, for entering the top three on Performance-Based Funding for the first time since 2019,” said Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System of Florida. “From increasing four-year graduation rates to delivering exceptional returns for bachelor’s graduates, UWF continues to produce incredible outcomes for students.”

Under the performance-based funding model, the Board of Governors scores each of Florida’s 12 public universities based on 10 metrics, and an additional metric decided by each University’s Board of Trustees, designed to incentivize university excellence and improvement. These metrics establish a minimum acceptable level of performance on issues such as graduation and retention rates. UWF met the most goals out of all 12 institutions, meeting 10 out of 11 goals.

For more information about UWF’s ranking in the Board of Governors’ performance-based funding model, visit uwf.edu/bogmetrics.