Florida State University remains one of the nation’s top academic institutions for students who seek an excellent education with strong career preparation at an affordable price, according to The Princeton Review.
FSU ranks No. 18 for “Best Value” among public schools in the education-services company’s Best Value Colleges for 2022.
The rankings also include FSU in the Top 20 among public schools in five additional categories:
- 3 in Best Schools for Financial Aid
- 10 in Best Schools for Internships
- 15 in Best Alumni Networks
- 18 in Best Schools for Making an Impact
- 20 in Best Value for Students with No Demonstrated Need for Financial Aid
The Princeton Review ranked institutions based on surveys of administrators at more than 650 colleges in 2021-2022. Schools that made the rankings share “three exceptional features,” according to The Princeton Review – stellar academics, affordable cost and strong career prospects for graduates.
Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, hailed the rankings as further evidence of the university’s growing reputation as a top-tier public institution that offers an accessible education and prepares students for successful careers.
“We’re excited to see yet another report that spotlights our success in providing a quality education that’s accessible and affordable,” Clark said. “We remain proud to be counted among the top schools in the nation, whether it’s for the impacts of our research and academics, the engagement of our alumni and business partners, or the value of our education and degrees.”
“We’re excited to see yet another report that spotlights our success in providing a quality education that’s accessible and affordable. We remain proud to be counted among the top schools in the nation, whether it’s for the impacts of our research and academics, the engagement of our alumni and business partners, or the value of our education and degrees.” — Provost Jim Clark
Last September, FSU placed as the No. 5 Best Value College among public colleges and universities, according to U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2022” guidebook. For academics, the same publication last fall ranked FSU No. 19 among national public universities – marking its third straight year in the Top 20.
In its rankings, The Princeton Review considered more than 40 data points that covered academics, costs, debt, financial aid, graduation rates and career information. The company said it factored in data from its surveys of students and from PayScale.com surveys of alumni about starting and mid-career salaries and job satisfaction.
Clark emphasized FSU’s efforts to help students launch careers through internships and alumni networks and to provide opportunities for students to get involved in causes important to them.
Three years ago, FSU became the largest university in the nation to require experiential learning for undergraduates. The university offers career fairs and workshops and networking events throughout the year, and its Career Center – recognized as one of the best in the country – provides students with free individual career advising and counseling.
FSU also boasts more than 750 registered student organizations that inspire students to become active on campus and in their communities. Also, the university’s Center for Leadership & Social Change offers training on topics such as service learning, leadership development and community change.
The Princeton Review trumpeted FSU and the other schools on its list as a “select group” that makes up about 7% of the nation’s four-year undergraduate institutions.
“We commend their administrators, faculties, staff, and alumni for all they are doing to educate their students and guide them to success in their careers,” said Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review. “These colleges are also exceptional for the generous amount of financial aid they award to students with need and/or for their comparatively low cost of attendance.”
Clark said the latest rankings reflect the university’s vision to transform the lives of its students and to help shape society through exceptional teaching, research, creative activity and service.
“We continue to strive to provide, at a reasonable price, a quality education that includes transformative, career-building experiences for our students,” Clark said. “We also hold true to our core values: We inspire a strong sense of belonging for our students in a welcoming place where they connect with and learn from people of different backgrounds and experiences.
“The Princeton Review’s rankings support our standing as a Top 20 public university that puts students first. At FSU, our students inspire us to work hard each day to achieve even greater milestones moving forward.”