UF drops in ranking for best public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report

The University of Florida is no longer within the nation’s top five public institutions, a milestone it held onto steadily for two years, according to a new ranking list from U.S. News & World Report.

Despite recently being ranked by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) as the No. 1 public institution last week, UF has dropped from its No. 5 top public school ranking by U.S. News to No. 6.

It is now tied for sixth with two other schools, the University of California in San Diego and the University of California in Davis. The University of California in Berkeley holds the No. 1 spot.

The U.S. News & World Report ranking is largely seen as the premier metric for universities around the country and one UF has focused on for several years under former president Kent Fuchs' tenure.

Down from last year: 'We're doing sustained good work.' UF remains a top five public university

Change in metrics

The drop in rank could be attributed to changes in the ranking metrics, specifically a new metric added relating to faculty publications. UF’s reputation score stayed the same.

U.S. News emphasized social mobility and outcomes for graduating students. A news release called it the most significant change in their methodology ever.

Success in enrolling and graduating students with manageable debt and post-graduate success are two factors highlighted, constituting the majority ? over 50% ? of an institution’s rank.

Five factors were no longer considered as of this year: Class size, faculty with terminal degrees, alumni giving, high school class standing and the proportion of graduates who borrow federal loans.

Another ranking: University of Florida ranked No. 1 amongst public institutions in the nation: WSJ

Other ranks

The WSJ’s rankings focused on how institutions prepare students for real-world outcomes, factoring the cost of tuition, the chance of graduation and potential salary increases throughout graduates' careers.

A recently released survey among 250 universities also ranked UF at No. 231 for free speech, while rival FLorida State University was among the best.

The university’s rank for U.S. News did increase in some categories, though. It moved one spot to No. 28 out of 439 national universities on the combined list of public and private institutions for 2023-24.

UF also ranked No. 20 on the list of most innovative schools, a climb of 32 spots. It also saw a jump to No. 47 in top performers on social mobility, which includes graduation rates and performance of economically disadvantaged students.

Since 2017, UF has moved from No. 50 to No. 28 on the list of overall among public and private universities. Officials say its goal to make the top 20 in the country.

The university has also continued to stay in the top 10 when compared to just public institutions since earning a No. 9 spot in 2018.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Report: University of Florida drops to sixth best public university