When UF biochemistry senior Johanna Lee was looking at colleges, she found UF more affordable than other Florida schools. The 21-year-old said she needed an education but didn’t want to take out loans.
UF ranked first in the state and sixth in the nation as doing the most for low-income students like Lee, according to The New York Times.
UF spokesman Steve Orlando said UF ranked high because of its low tuition and high number of Pell grants and scholarships. He said he believes the university’s outstanding academics coupled with its economic value make UF a good school.
UF’s ranking can also be attributed to the Florida Opportunity Scholars Program, which was initiated by former UF President Bernie Machen, he said. In the 2013-2014 academic year, this scholarship disbursed about $10.2 million, according to the Student Financial Affairs’ fact book.
With the ranking, prospective UF students who once considered the school unattainable will know it’s affordable, said Tammy Aagard, the UF associate vice president of enrollment management.
"Money goes further at UF," she said.
Current students might view this recognition as an opportunity for future financial aid, Aagard said.
Director of UF office for Student Financial Affairs Richard Wilder said UF’s financial advising is among the best in the country, and the advisers want students to succeed.
"Our goal is to enroll, educate and graduate them," he said.
Lee said she likes seeing UF succeed.
"I’m always proud when UF is at the top of something," she said.
