Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public historically black university located in Tallahassee, Florida. FAMU has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 7,000 students across 9 colleges. With a focus on STEM fields and producing leaders, FAMU attracts bright and motivated students from across the country. However, getting into and succeeding at FAMU can be competitive. One important metric that indicates student success is the grade point average or GPA. So what is the average GPA for FAMU students?
Quick Answers
The average GPA for FAMU is around 2.97. This is based on self-reported data from FAMU students. The average high school GPA for incoming FAMU freshmen is 3.33. The average FAMU freshman GPA is 2.76. By sophomore year, the average GPA rises to 2.91. Juniors have an average GPA of 3.02 and seniors 3.23. Overall, the average undergraduate GPA across all students and years at FAMU falls between 2.9 and 3.1.
Average GPA by Year
Let’s break down the average GPA at FAMU by year in more detail:
Freshmen
The average GPA for FAMU freshmen is around 2.76. This first year of college is a big transition for many students as they adjust to more rigorous academics and independent living. The average high school GPA for incoming FAMU freshmen is 3.33, so many students see their grades dip during freshman year of college.
Sophomores
In their second year at FAMU, students tend to improve academically with an average GPA of 2.91. After adjusting to college academics and life during freshman year, sophomores are more confident and experienced. Taking more courses related to their majors also helps students perform better.
Juniors
The average GPA for FAMU juniors is approximately 3.02. At this stage, many students are deeply immersed in their chosen academic disciplines and striving to do well as they approach graduation. Maintaining a solid GPA as a junior sets students up for success senior year.
Seniors
By senior year, FAMU students hit their academic stride with an average GPA of 3.23. Seniors complete their most advanced major coursework and many electives. Their greater maturity, knowledge, and motivation to graduate and pursue careers or graduate school drive FAMU seniors to excel academically.
Factors Influencing GPA
Several factors impact a student’s GPA at FAMU:
Major
A student’s choice of major significantly influences GPA. STEM and business majors at FAMU tend to have lower average GPAs around 2.8-3.0. Majors like social sciences, humanities, and education see higher GPAs from 3.1-3.3. Competitive STEM coursework pulls down averages.
Class Year
As shown above, upperclassmen have higher GPAs than underclassmen. Seniors and juniors benefit from greater experience and focus within their majors.
Study Habits
Students who regularly attend classes, maintain good study habits, manage their time wisely, and seek help when needed tend to earn higher GPAs.
Involvement
Participation in activities like student government, Greek life, athletics, and honors societies supports academic success. However, overcommitting can undermine GPA.
Health
Good mental and physical health helps students achieve their academic potential. Stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, and other issues can negatively impact GPA.
Tips for a Higher GPA
Here are some tips for FAMU students to earn a higher GPA:
- Attend every class and sit near the front to stay engaged.
- Actively take notes instead of just listening passively.
- Review class material soon after to aid retention.
- Start assignments early and avoid last-minute cramming.
- Form study groups with like-minded students.
- Meet with professors and teaching assistants during office hours to get help.
- Look into tutoring services through academic departments or the FAMU center for academic excellence.
- Set a realistic class schedule that leaves time for studying.
- Take care of your physical and mental health through good sleep habits, nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
Average GPA by College
GPA varies across FAMU’s different academic colleges. Here are the average GPAs by college:
FAMU College | Average GPA |
---|---|
College of Agriculture and Food Sciences | 3.1 |
College of Education | 3.2 |
College of Engineering | 2.9 |
College of Science and Technology | 2.8 |
School of Allied Health Sciences | 3.0 |
College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities | 3.1 |
School of Business and Industry | 2.9 |
School of Nursing | 3.0 |
School of the Environment | 3.0 |
School of Journalism and Graphic Communication | 3.2 |
As shown, colleges like education and journalism that are less STEM-focused tend to have higher average GPAs. Competitive engineering and technology programs bring down averages.
How FAMU GPAs Compare Nationally
FAMU’s average undergraduate GPAs are very typical compared to national data for four-year public universities.
The National Center for Education Statistics indicates an overall nationwide average undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for public 4-year institutions.
This aligns closely with FAMU’s overall average of around 2.97.
Like at FAMU, national GPAs tend to be lower in STEM majors and higher in humanities and arts.
FAMU students’ GPAs also rise steadily from freshman to senior year, which mirrors the national trend.
While specific averages vary slightly, FAMU GPAs follow very comparable patterns to other 4-year public universities across the nation.
Graduation Rates by GPA
At FAMU, academic success measured by GPA strongly correlates with graduating. Here are the average 4-year graduation rates by GPA:
GPA Range | Graduation Rate |
---|---|
3.75+ | 78% |
3.5 – 3.74 | 68% |
3.25 – 3.49 | 56% |
3.0 – 3.24 | 47% |
2.75 – 2.99 | 35% |
2.5 – 2.74 | 27% |
2.25 – 2.49 | 18% |
Below 2.25 | 12% |
Students with GPAs above 3.5 graduate at much higher rates. Those below 2.25 are very unlikely to complete their degree. Maintaining a solid GPA greatly supports on-time graduation.
Takeaways
Here are some key takeaways on the average GPA at FAMU:
- The overall average undergraduate GPA is around 2.97.
- Average GPAs rise each year from freshman to senior year.
- STEM and business students tend to have lower GPAs than humanities and arts.
- FAMU GPAs follow national trends and averages.
- Higher GPAs strongly predict 4-year graduation rates.
Keeping your GPA up increases your chances of timely graduation. Take advantage of all the academic resources FAMU offers to help you succeed!
Conclusion
The typical overall GPA for undergraduates at Florida A&M University falls between 2.9 and 3.1. Freshmen start around 2.76, while seniors achieve an average of 3.23. GPAs vary across colleges from 2.8 to 3.2, with STEM programs generally lower. FAMU’s GPAs align with national trends. Most importantly, maintaining a higher GPA directly correlates with graduation rates. So utilize all the help and support possible to keep your grades up and earn your FAMU degree!