Florida A&M University (FAMU) is a prominent public historically black university located in Tallahassee, Florida. Established in 1887, it is recognized as the third largest historically black university in the United States by enrollment and serves as a key member of the State University System of Florida. The university’s mission focuses on providing quality education primarily to African Americans, although it welcomes students from all backgrounds.
Overview
- Founding Year: 1887
- Enrollment: Approximately 11,000 students, with about 83% identifying as African American.
- Campus Size: 422 acres.
- Colleges and Programs: FAMU offers 54 bachelor’s degree programs, 29 master’s degree programs, and several doctoral programs across various disciplines, including agriculture, education, pharmacy, engineering, and business.
Academic Structure
FAMU comprises several colleges and schools:
- College of Agriculture and Food Sciences
- College of Education
- FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (jointly operated with Florida State University)
- College of Law
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- School of Business and Industry
- School of Journalism and Graphic Communication
- School of Nursing
The university also features specialized programs such as the Medical Scholars Program aimed at preparing students for medical school4.
Rankings and Recognition
FAMU has consistently ranked as a top institution for social mobility among public universities. In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, it was placed:
- National Universities: #170
- Public Universities: #91
- Top Public HBCUs: #1
Campus Life
FAMU provides a vibrant campus life with over 100 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Rattlers, compete at the NCAA Division I level in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Recent Developments
Recently, FAMU has celebrated significant milestones such as its 137th anniversary and has launched initiatives to enhance educational resources, including partnerships for advanced internet connectivity and new labs for investments and analytics. FAMU continues to play a vital role in higher education, particularly for African American students, while fostering an inclusive environment for all.
