Florida Atlantic lauded for research and opportunities

The school joins a small number of universities at the top of their class in these categories.

Florida Atlantic is one of 21 universities to earn a top designation for a commitment to research and ensuring student success.

Why it matters: FAU joins Temple University, the University of Chicago, Howard University and Florida International University in achieving both distinctions. 

What’s happening: The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education has recognized FAU for the first time with a top rank as an R1 and an opportunity university.

A Research 1 or R1 is the highest possible research rank.

• The threshold for R1 is $50 million in total research-and-development spending and awarding of 70 doctorate degrees in a year. 

• About 5% of the nation’s universities are R1s.
• The R1 was announced in February.

An Opportunity College and University rank recognizes excellence in fostering student success.

• The distinction is based on access for underrepresented students and the earning power of graduates compared to peer universities.
• 16% of the nation’s universities have achieved this designation.
• Carnegie announced the opportunity rankings in April.

Gregg Fields, FAU’s vice president for research, visited last week’s Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce event at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott to spread the news.

The chamber program focused on the marine industry’s contribution to the local economy. 

Key points:

• More than 200 marine businesses serve the 37,000 boats and their owners in Palm Beach County. One million boats are registered in Florida.
• HMY, based in Palm Beach Gardens, sells about 600 boats and yachts a year. The company’s average used boat sells for $1 million. A new yacht averages $3.5 million.
• HMY Yachts Sales Manager Jason Norcross explained that Palm Beach County’s proximity to The Bahamas allows some buyers to bypass U.S. tariffs by taking delivery there.

The Carnegie rankings are an important honor for the onetime commuter college whose most recent claim to fame was its basketball team’s NCAA Final Four appearance in 2023.

What’s next: Fields said the goal is to turn FAU’s research into business opportunities and build the workforce development that goes along with it. “We have some very nice things going on at Florida Atlantic,” he said.