This week, U.S. News & World Report listed FAU as one of the top public schools in the country at No. 140, but that’s where the list ends.

Even though it landed on the annual list for the first time in university history, FAU is the list’s lowest-ranked public university in Florida, being tied with the University of North Florida.

On U.S. News & World Report’s national universities list (which includes private institutions as well), FAU ranked at No. 281.

“Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report in this way is a wonderful endorsement of the good work we have pursued,” said FAU President John Kelly in a recent press release. “This is just the beginning of our ascension into the top ranks of public universities in the United States as we continue to build on our successes and focus on strategic areas of improvement.”

Out of 12 schools in Florida’s state university system, only seven were ranked as a top public school. Here’s where they stand:

• University of Florida #7
• Florida State University #18
• University of South Florida #44
• University of Central Florida #79
• Florida International University #105
• Florida A&M University #123
• Florida Atlantic University #140
• University of North Florida #140

FAU is the highest-ranked public university in Florida and in the U.S. for diversity with a “diversity index” score of .68 (out of 1.0). The university is also tied with 11 other schools like Princeton University and Carnegie Mellon University, according to U.S. News & World Report.

“We are honored to serve as a vehicle to success for students looking to improve their lives and that of their families while also providing a high-quality education to the most racially and culturally diverse student body in Florida’s State University System,” said President Kelly. 

FAU’s College of Business’ (IB) undergraduate program is also ranked No. 25 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of International Business programs.

Israel Fontoura is the news editor with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, follow @israelofontoura on Twitter or email [email protected]