Valencia Community College awards more associate degrees than any other two-year school in the nation, according to a report just published by Community College Week.
In addition, Valencia also leads all two-year schools in the number of associate degrees awarded to minorities, an 18 percent increase from the year before.
The report was compiled using data from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics and focused on degrees conferred during 2008-2009.
In that academic time period, Valencia awarded 5,128 associate degrees, including 1,956 earned by minority students.
“Valencia’s focus on improving student success, particularly in the critical first year of college, is paying off,” said Valencia President Sanford C. Shugart. “The rankings also underscore the role Valencia plays as the primary entry point to a college education in our region.”
Valencia also ranked first in the number of degrees awarded in general studies, 10th in nursing and 15th in engineering technology.
Source: Orlando Business Journal, Valencia No. 1 for associate degrees, Friday, June 18, 2010, 3:14pm EDT
[UCF Today Note: Valencia is an important education partner in the DirectConnect to UCF initiative]