A native of Colts Neck, New Jersey, Madison Leigh Gerhard graduated from Colts Neck High School in June 2018. Madison Leigh Gerhard then enrolled at Florida State University (FSU) in September 2018, where she is currently working toward a BS in psychology.
In 2022, FSU continued its reign as a Top 20 public university nationally as recognized by U.S. News & World Report. FSU came in at number 19. It was the third straight year that FSU was a Top 20 public university. Among all universities, public and private, U.S. News & World Report ranked FSU No. 55 in 2022, up three places from 2021.
FSU’s strong showing among public universities is a testament to the continued efforts the school has made in improving the quality of learning of its students. U.S. News ranked FSU No. 43 among public universities in 2016. The university has since undertaken measures to increase graduation rates, which now stand at 84 percent, and freshman retention rates, which stand at 93 percent.
FSU also excelled in other factors analyzed by U.S. News & World Report, including class size, graduate indebtedness, and student selectivity. Up to 60 percent of FSU classes have fewer than 20 students, ensuring learners are engaged with their instructors. Further, the average SAT scores of incoming freshmen have risen. The school has implemented considerable improvements to its academic offerings while keeping tuition rates relatively low, leading FSU to be ranked among the Top 5 Best Value Colleges in the country.
