Obama administration recognizes FIU for helping low-income students succeed


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The Obama administration has recognized FIU for providing accessible, affordable education to lower-income students and supporting their success.

The Department of Education highlighted FIU as one of the top institutions in the nation that incorporates strategies to increase college access in the report Fulfilling the Promise, Serving the Need: Advancing College Opportunity for Low-Income Students. According to the report, FIU is providing the support needed for better student outcomes, including completion rates and post-college employment success.

The report, which is based on 2013 Department of Education data, identified top four-year public and private higher educational institutions in the nation that enroll and graduate a high number of low-income students who receive Pell Grants. It also examined labor statistics and earnings of graduates who made at least $25,000 annually, six years after enrolling.

“At FIU, we are committed to a high quality education and high paying jobs for all our students,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “We believe that everyone with the drive, desire and preparation should be able to pursue a university degree. We’re proud that we are providing our students with the tools they need to compete and succeed in the 21st century workplace.”

At FIU, 58 percent of enrolled students are Pell Grant recipients and 68 percent of them are earning more than $25,000 a year six years after enrolling. Among students who receive federal financial aid, 53 percent graduated within six years of enrolling, which is around the same rate as the general student population at 52 percent. This graduation rate is now up to 58 percent.  Nationally, the degree gap between all Pell and non-Pell students is much greater, at 14 percentage points. The annual net price of education for low-income students at FIU is $9,763.