EFSC Accomplishments 2018 | Page 8

April-May 2018 College Accomplishments High EFSC Ranking EFSC was again named among the top state and community colleges in Florida, this time in a study by Schools.com that cited its affordability and high graduation rates. (Student Enrollment, Diversity Initiatives, Employee Relations, Financial Management, Trustee Relations, Community Awareness) Highlights: • EFSC ranked second among the 28-members of the Florida College System for what Schools.com called “its commitment to affordability and enrichment opportunities.” • The report cited low tuition, fees and costs for books and supplies, reflecting the college’s national ranking as among the most affordable public colleges in the U.S. • The report also noted the college’s high transfer rate to the State University System of Florida, credit for life experience and cultural centers like the King Center for the Performing Arts. • Schools.com used data from the U.S. Department of Education and National Center for Education Statistics to determine the rankings. • Schools.com said it examined Florida’s state and community colleges because of the state’s efforts to use the schools to create a more educated workforce. • It called the results of the strategy “nothing short of remarkable” with Florida state and community colleges having one of the highest combined graduation and transfer rates to universities in the U.S. May 2018 Programs Transform EFSC The 2017-18 Academic Year marked the five- year anniversary of the college launching 57 new programs since 2013, offering students a wealth of new opportunities that have transformed EFSC. (Student Enrollment, Diversity Initiatives, Employee Relations, Financial Management, Trustee Relations, Community Awareness) Highlights: •  The 57 new programs represent the most rapid expansion of academic degrees and certificates in the college’s history. • The programs include 18 Bachelor Degree tracks, 9 Associate in Science Degrees and 30 College Certificates, Technical Certificates and Technical Diplomas. • More than 6,800 students have enrolled in the new programs since 2013, and more than 1,160 students have earned degrees in new programs during that time. • Bachelor Degree tracks remain the most popular of the new programs with more than 2,000 students enrolled in 2017-18. • More than 920 students have received Bachelor Degrees since 2013. 8 • Bachelor Degrees in Organization Management top the enrollment list with more than 1,300 students taking courses, followed by Applied Health Sciences and Computer Technologies. • The average Bachelor’s Degree student is 33-years- old, showing the critical role the degrees are playing for people already in the workforce returning to advance their education. • Associate in Science Degrees in Health Care and Certificate programs in Aviation Maintenance and Technology are also popular. • In all, the new programs are providing excellent career opportunities to graduates in some of today’s fastest growing job fields. Student Volunteer Milestone The Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement marked its 30th anniversary with student volunteers helping the community in important ways and getting college credit for their real world experience. (Student Enrollment, Diversity Initiatives, Employee Relations, Community Awareness) Highlights: • Since it began in 1988, more than 88,000 students have recorded over 3 million hours of volunteer community work.