Orlando-based University of Central Florida ranked number one on the list of College Gazette’s top 10 public universities on the rise across the country.
The university, which is known for its research into space, topped the list for making dramatic, positive changes to their curricula, facilities, faculty, and more.
To rank the schools, the online higher education magazine set certain parameters, which includes that school cannot be placed in the top-150 of the US News national universities list as of 2019.
The final list was compiled after taking into account measurable strides over the past 20 years like student-alumni accomplishments, faculty accolades, research programs, expenditure, and other similar metrics.
The University of Central Florida fared better in all the metrics. Also, the school through the affiliated Florida Space Institute will become the state’s first university to lead a mission into outer space.
“After just 51 years in existence, with historical and recent accomplishments demonstrating the school’s multi-decade commitment towards growth, UCF has risen to become one of the nation’s top public universities,” the report reads.
Montana State University ranked second for being the top-10 producers of prestigious Goldwater Scholarships along with Rhodes and Truman scholars.
Over the years, the university has increased its enrollment by nearly 25 percent and spent about $140 million on research.
Kent State University stood third for making significant strides in their education. 16 of its faculty members have won the Pulitzer Prize, America’s most prestigious journalism & arts award.
Last year, the school allocated $1 billion towards a master plan that will transform both the appearance as well as the life on campus. It is also one of the 25 safest campuses in the country.
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