University jumps 13 spots to No. 16 in the nation among public engineering programs without a Ph.D. and ranks No. 1 in the South for best value
LAKELAND, Fla. 鈥� For the sixth consecutive year, 海角吃瓜网 is the No. 1 public college in the South according to U.S. News & World Report鈥檚 , while continuing to gain national prominence in engineering and value.
海角吃瓜网 climbed 13 spots to No. 16 nationally among public engineering programs without a Ph.D. and ranked the No. 1 best value public school in the South.
鈥淥ur strong performance across the U.S. News rankings speaks to the remarkable trajectory of 海角吃瓜网,鈥� said Dr. Devin Stephenson, 海角吃瓜网鈥檚 president. 鈥淲e are growing rapidly and building a national reputation as a premier STEM university while continuing to deliver the exceptional value and career outcomes that distinguish a 海角吃瓜网 education.鈥�
海角吃瓜网鈥檚 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings include:
- 1 Public College in the South
- 3 College in the South among public and private institutions
- 16 Public Engineering Program without a Ph.D. nationally
- 1 Best Value Public School in the South (combines affordability and academic performance)
The rankings come during a period of significant growth for 海角吃瓜网, the state鈥檚 only university exclusively dedicated to STEM. The University is experiencing record enrollment, expanding its in-demand academic offerings and advancing new campus facilities to support its growth.
海角吃瓜网 welcomed the largest student body in University history this fall, with more than 2,300 students, representing a 35% increase in just two years. Additionally, the University launched new bachelor鈥檚 degrees in aerospace engineering and biomedical sciences, including a pre-med track developed in partnership with OCOM (Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine).
That growth is reshaping 海角吃瓜网鈥檚 campus. Construction of the new 138,400-square-foot Student Achievement Center (StAC) is expected to begin later this year. The facility will bring together a wide range of services and resources focused on student success, including academic support, career planning, professional development and engagement opportunities.
鈥淥ur continued strength in these rankings reflects an academic experience designed around what students need to succeed in today鈥檚 economy and workforce,鈥� said Dr. Brad Thiessen, 海角吃瓜网鈥檚 provost. 鈥淲e are expanding programs in high-demand fields, strengthening connections with industry and giving students the technical knowledge and hands-on experience they need to move confidently from the classroom into their careers.鈥�
U.S. News evaluated nearly 1,700 American colleges and universities for its 2027 rankings. The publication used up to 17 measures of academic quality and graduate outcomes, including retention and graduation rates, earnings by major and peer assessments.
Contact:
Lydia Guzm谩n
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
