Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

State University System Florida Department of Education

Report 01-28, May 2001

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Report Summary

The instructional program is providing value.

  • In Fiscal Year 1997-98, 76% of the graduates who remained in Florida had incomes of $25,000 or more within five years of their graduation.
  • The instructional program has improved over the last three years, with graduation and retention rates improving between 1996 and 1997 and remaining stable in 1998.
However, some problems remain. Most notably, many students take more credit hours than they need for graduation.

  • In 1998-99, graduates averaged a total of 5.9 hours over the 115% legislative standard.
  • Based on the estimated average expenditures per credit hour, these excess hours cost $22.1 million for the 5.9 hours in excess of the legislative standard.
Research has some good measures but could be improved. Public service is not adequately measured.

  • Other measures of research include the number of publications, an indication of value faculty at other institutions place on research within the SUS.
The only system-wide measure for public service is the percentage of faculty time allocated to public service that is devoted to public schools. This measure does not provide information about the many types of public service the universities perform.

Related Reports
  1. Increased Accountability and Oversight of University Centers and Institutes Is Needed
    Report 10-41 May 2010
  2. Supplemental Report: Profiles of Selected University Centers and Institutes
    Report 07-36 August 2007
  3. University Centers and Institutes Report Many Benefits; the Oversight Process Needs to Be Strengthened
    Report 07-35 August 2007
  4. Legislature Increases FRAG Awards; Residency Determination Rules Improved
    Report 06-57 August 2006
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
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