whereas the benchmarks for Improvement were determined after reviewing data trends for each metric. The Florida Legislature and governor determine the amount of new state funding and a proportional amount of institutional funding that would come from each university's recurring state base appropriation. Preeminent State Research Universities In 2010, the Florida Legislature created the Preeminent State Research University program and set 12 benchmarks to define these schools, which are awarded more state funding for research. 11 of the 12 benchmarks must be met for a school to be classified as Preeminent by the Board of Governors. The benchmarks are: An average weighted grade point average of 4.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and an average SAT score of 1200 or higher on a 1600-point scale or an average ACT score of 25 or higher on a 36 score scale, using the latest published national concordance table developed jointly by the College Board and ACT, Inc., for fall semester incoming freshmen, as reported annually. A top-50 ranking on at least two well-known and highly respected national public university rankings, including, but not limited to, the U.S. News & World Report rankings, reflecting national preeminence, using most recent rankings. A freshman retention rate of 90 percent or higher for full-time, first-time-in-college students. A 4-year graduation rate of 60 percent or higher for full-time, first-time-in-college students. Six or more faculty members at the state university who are members of a national academy. Total annual research expenditures, including federal research expenditures, of $200 million or more. Total annual research expenditures in diversified nonmedical sciences of $150 million or more. A top-100 university national ranking for research expenditures in five or more science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields of study. One hundred or more total patents awarded by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the most recent 3-year period. Four hundred or more doctoral degrees awarded annually, including professional doctoral degrees awarded in medical and health care disciplines. Two hundred or more postdoctoral appointees annually. An endowment of $500 million or more. Currently, three universities are classified as Preeminent: the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of South Florida. All three have exceeded each of the 12 benchmarks. Former members See also State University System of Florida University Press of Florida State University System of Florida Libraries Florida Institute of Oceanography Florida Board of Control References External links Government